Roxboro officer Joseph Downey Jr. arrested in Raleigh, placed on leave

A Roxboro police officer faces two misdemeanour charges after an incident on Glenwood Avenue. He has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

Roxboro officer charged with disruptive conduct after Raleigh arrest

A Roxboro Police Department officer has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest in the early hours of Sunday morning, abc11.com reports.

Officer Joseph Downey Jr., 32, faces two misdemeanour charges — intoxicated and disruptive conduct, and resisting a public officer — according to Wake County arrest records.

The records allege Downey was intoxicated in a public place on Glenwood Avenue when an altercation broke out involving a security guard and Raleigh police officers.

Roxboro Police Chief David Hess issued a statement addressing the incident. "Law enforcement officers are held to a high standard of conduct on and off duty," Hess said. "Mr. Downey's alleged actions do not reflect our department's core values nor the expectations of a Roxboro Police officer by our community."

Hess confirmed Downey has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. The chief added that Downey had no prior disciplinary or conduct violations on record since joining the department in January 2026.

"While I am heartbroken for him, his family, and our department, I am equally thankful for the professionalism of the Raleigh Police Department with these unfortunate events," Hess said.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)