CEDAR LAKE — A Cedar Lake police officer has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated while driving a department issued vehicle.

According to a press release issued Friday by Cedar Lake Police Chief John Gruszka, the arrest occurred on July 5, 2026, while the officer was off duty. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Cedar Lake Police Department, conducted the arrest. Authorities said the officer was taken into custody without incident.

The department said the alleged conduct is “unacceptable” and does not reflect the values or standards expected of the agency.

“Law Enforcement Officers are held to a higher standard both on and off duty,” the release states. “When that trust is broken, it damages not only our reputation, but also the trust of our community.”

The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and an internal affairs investigation. The department said it is cooperating fully to ensure a thorough and impartial review.

Chief Gruszka acknowledged the community’s expectation for transparency but noted there are legal and procedural limits on what can be released while the investigations remain active.

“If wrongdoing is confirmed, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken,” the chief said.

The Cedar Lake Police Department stated it will proceed in accordance with Indiana law and the department’s established policies and procedures.

As of Friday, the department has not publicly identified the officer.

All criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.