CMPD Officer Jonathan Nicholas Arrested for DWI in Burke County: Internal Investigation Underway

CHARLOTTE, NC — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officer is under internal investigation after being arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI) while off duty. The arrest has raised serious concerns both within the department and the wider community, as transparency and accountability continue to be top priorities for law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Jonathan Nicholas, who has served with CMPD since August 13, 2012, was arrested by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol in Burke County on Saturday, June 8, following a traffic stop for speeding. During the stop, troopers determined that Nicholas was impaired and subsequently placed him under arrest for DWI.

At the time of the incident, Nicholas was not operating within CMPD jurisdiction and was off duty. His current assignment is with CMPD’s University City Division.

Departmental Response and Internal Affairs Investigation

CMPD released an official statement confirming that its Internal Affairs Division has opened an investigation into the matter. According to policy, officers who are arrested—whether on duty or off—are subject to administrative review, especially in cases involving substance abuse, which can directly impact public trust and officer conduct.

Jonathan Nicholas has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of both the internal investigation and the criminal proceedings initiated by the State Highway Patrol.

“Our department holds all officers to a high standard of personal and professional conduct,” CMPD stated. “While this incident occurred outside of our jurisdiction, we take it very seriously.”

About Officer Jonathan Nicholas

Jonathan Nicholas has been a member of CMPD for nearly 13 years, having joined the force in 2012. His current assignment is with the University City Division, an area that includes a diverse population and is home to UNC Charlotte. Over the course of his career, Nicholas has been involved in various community policing efforts and patrol operations, although his recent actions are now casting a shadow over his service record.

No further details have been released regarding his prior disciplinary history, if any.

Legal Consequences and Next Steps

Following his arrest, Nicholas was processed and charged with Driving While Impaired. Additional details such as his blood alcohol content (BAC), court date, or whether there were any passengers in the vehicle at the time have not yet been made public. The Burke County judicial system will oversee the case, while CMPD conducts its separate investigation.

Legal experts note that DWI charges in North Carolina carry serious consequences, including possible license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education classes, and even jail time depending on prior offenses and aggravating factors.

Broader Implications

Nicholas’ arrest is the latest in a series of incidents that have prompted questions about officer conduct, both on and off the clock. As CMPD continues to emphasize its commitment to integrity and public safety, incidents like this remind the public of the human side of law enforcement—where mistakes can have far-reaching consequences, particularly for those entrusted with enforcing the law.

Community groups are already weighing in, urging CMPD to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, while also emphasizing the need for accountability and rehabilitation where appropriate.

Public Reactions and Transparency

Reactions across social media have been mixed. Some residents expressed disappointment, while others stressed the importance of due process and encouraged CMPD to set a clear precedent that such behavior is unacceptable regardless of rank or tenure.

CMPD has assured the public that it will release additional details as the investigation progresses, and that Officer Nicholas’ status with the department will depend on the outcome of both the criminal and administrative reviews.

Conclusion

The arrest of Officer Jonathan Nicholas underscores the continuing need for transparency, accountability, and strong internal oversight within law enforcement agencies. As the legal process unfolds, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department faces the task of addressing the situation firmly and fairly—balancing justice for the community with due process for one of its own.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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