Cornelius, NC — A veteran officer with the Cornelius Police Department is on administrative leave following his arrest on several traffic-related charges over the weekend.
George Brinzey, 43, a corporal with the department since 2003, was arrested by the Concord Police Department around 8:43 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. According to police, Brinzey was initially stopped for speeding, but further investigation led to additional charges, including careless and reckless driving, driving while impaired, operating an unregistered vehicle, displaying a fictitious tag, and driving without insurance.
Authorities confirmed that Brinzey was off-duty at the time and driving his personal vehicle.
In a statement released following the arrest, Cornelius Police Chief David Baucom emphasized the department’s commitment to integrity and accountability.
“As law enforcement officers, we are expected to uphold a higher standard of conduct at all times, both on and off duty,” Baucom said. “Any actions that fall below that standard undermine public trust and won’t be tolerated.”
Per department policy, Brinzey has been placed on leave while the department conducts an internal affairs investigation.
No further details about Brinzey’s employment status or court proceedings were immediately available.