Bessemer City police officer resigns after being charged with DWI

BESSEMER CITY, N.C. — A Bessemer City police officer has resigned after being arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday in Gaston County.

According to the Bessemer City Police Department, officer Gustavo Laverde was pulled over by troopers on Interstate 85 at U.S 321. He was off-duty and driving his personal vehicle at the time of the incident, police said.

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Laverde resigned from the department following the arrest. He was hired in November of 2020 and was assigned to patrol.

“It is disheartening to learn that one of our officers is charged with violating one the very laws that we are sworn to uphold,” Chief of Police Thomas Ellis said. “Professional accountability is a priority for the Bessemer City Police Department and our officers are expected to maintain this standard at all times. The overwhelming majority of Bessemer City Police Officers serve admirably and with integrity.”