K-9 Officer Arrested for DUI After Crashing Police SUV

Berwyn Police K-9 Officer Raul Perez Jr. was arrested for driving under the influence after crashing his police SUV into a utility pole in North Riverside, Illinois on December 29, 2025. The crash occurred in the early morning hours, causing his K-9 partner Romeo to escape from the damaged vehicle and run loose near the roadway.

Responding North Riverside officers discovered open alcohol containers inside the crashed police vehicle. Perez told officers he had been returning from a party when the accident occurred. His police dog was later located safely after officers conducted a search of the area.

Perez was transported to a local hospital where Officer Whitesell read him the Illinois Warning to Motorist and his Miranda rights before placing him under arrest. A blood alcohol test revealed Perez had a BAC of 0.12, which exceeds Illinois' legal limit of 0.08 for driving under the influence.

The Berwyn Police Department has relieved Perez of his police powers pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation. The incident has raised questions about off-duty conduct policies for law enforcement officers, particularly those assigned to specialized units like the K-9 division.

Perez faces DUI charges in connection with the December 29 crash. The internal investigation into his conduct remains ongoing.