Norfolk Police officer arrested for drunken driving, officials said

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Norfolk Police officer was arrested early Saturday morning for alleged drunken driving, according to police.

At 2:30 a.m., an on-duty officer with the Norfolk Police Division responded to a disturbance between off-duty Officer Joshua Schlote, 28, and his wife, Jordan Scholte, near 18th Street and Maple Avenue.

When the on-duty officer arrived at the scene, it was determined that both Officer Schlote and his wife were drunk and had driven a vehicle earlier in the night.

According to the police department, Officer Schlote was highly intoxicated.

The Norfolk Police Division immediately requested assistance from outside agencies to eliminate any potential conflict of interest.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office investigated Jordan Schlote and arrested her on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Officer Schlote was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and also arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Both were booked into the Madison County Jail.

“The Norfolk Police Division holds its officers to a high standard of conduct both on and off duty,” Chief Brian Tighe said. “The officer’s behavior does not reflect the values of our department, and we are taking this matter seriously in alignment with our commitment to integrity, accountability and public trust.”

According to the police department, Officer Schlote is a recently-hired certified officer and is currently serving his probationary period.

At this time, his employment status is under review, and appropriate administrative action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.