x
Breaking News
More () »

San Diego Sheriff's deputy arrested trying to enter Navy base without clearance

The base was locked down temporarily, and several gates were closed while security personnel checked the rest of the base.

SAN DIEGO — Officials said a San Diego County sheriff's deputy was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence outside the gate of Naval Air Station North Island.

At around 10:30 p.m. Friday, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) informed the San Diego County Sheriff's Department of the arrest of a deputy who tried to pass the base's main gate without clearance, leading military guards to shoot at the car.

No one was hurt, authorities said.

Sgt. Michael Cruz was off duty then and was booked into San Diego Central Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. He was released on his recognizance, pending future court dates.

Cruz is on paid administrative assignment while a Sheriff's Internal Affairs investigation continues.

According to the department, he was hired in 2006 and assigned to the Sheriff's Emergency Planning Detail.

The Coronado Police Department and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service were investigating the arrest, with cooperation from the sheriff's department.

"The Sheriff's Department will not tolerate criminal behavior in its ranks and will hold employees accountable for their actions," a sheriff's news release said.

The base was locked down temporarily, and several gates were closed while security personnel checked the rest of the base.

WATCH RELATED: Naval Base San Diego celebrates 100 years (Sept 2022):

Before You Leave, Check This Out