GROVELAND, Mass. — Police in Groveland are investigating a photo that appears to show an officer asleep behind the wheel of a cruiser.
The photo, taken at 5:30 a.m. Thursday, shows the officer who appears to be asleep in a running car at an intersection.
Groveland police say the incident involves a reserve officer with less than two years on the job.
“We take this matter very seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation,” Deputy Chief Jeffrey Gillen said. “This is a personnel matter and we are limited in what we can discuss, but we will make the results of this investigation as public as the law allows.”
The reserve officer has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, but residents are coming to his defense.
"I know it was a reserve officer, was probably working two jobs, 5:30 in the morning," said Groveland resident Jim Casaletto. "Anybody (who) works night work knows those are the toughest hours to work."
"It's not good. He's obviously tired," said Nick Graziano, also of Groveland. "But I understand. I know these guys work long hours. They work hard for all of us."
Cox Media Group
