Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Charged with DWI Placed on Unpaid Leave

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer Jonathan Nicholas was arrested and charged with driving while impaired after being stopped for speeding in Burke County. The arrest occurred while Nicholas was off duty, and he has since been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation. Nicholas, who has been with the department since 2012 and was recently assigned to the University City division, was also one of four officers involved in a deadly shooting earlier this year. Police Chief Johnny Jennings emphasized that law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard both on and off duty, and any behavior undermining public trust is unacceptable. The department is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter as it addresses concerns about maintaining public confidence. Additional details about the arrest have not been released as authorities continue their inquiry.