Bensalem Police Lieutenant James Donnelly Arrested For DUI
Bensalem police lieutenant James Donnelly was reportedly involved in an accident on the Newtown Bypass near Woodbourne Road on Thursday, Jan 18th under the influence of alcohol.
Newtown Township police responded around 11:45 pm for the report of a single-vehicle traffic accident. Upon contact with the operator, the officer detected the odor of alcohol. Donnelly was unable to perform field sobriety tests satisfactorily and was arrested and processed for the alleged DUI.
Donnelly was driving an unmarked Bensalem Township-owned vehicle, and he was off-duty at the time of the accident.
Newtown Police allege the vehicle driven by James Donnelly made contact with a concrete curb near the intersection and had to be towed from the scene. Donnelly did not require medical attention.
Donnelly had been serving on the Bensalem Police Department’s command staff as administrative service commander, where his responsibilities include overseeing various units such as the Communications Unit, School Security and School Resource Officers, Fire Police, Animal Control Officer, Crossing Guards, Police Activities League Program, and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program.
Bensalem Director of Public Safety William McVey confirmed that Donnelly was placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. He referred requests for further comment to the DA’s office.
Bensalem Police quickly removed his photo and bio from their website.
Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn confirmed that her office was made aware of the arrest involving Donnelly, who has worked in the Bensalem police department for 20 years.
Donnelly is also listed as an Investment Advisor for Valley Financial Group where he is still employed according to their website.