A police officer has been demoted after he was arrested in Burlington for impaired driving following a complaint from a concerned citizen.

Const. D'Arcy O'Shea, 43, a Burlington resident and veteran Peel police officer who joined the force in 2003, pleaded guilty in Milton court to operating a conveyance while his ability to do so was impaired by alcohol and refusing to provide a breath sample in the incident that occurred back on Jan. 19 when a citizen called to complain about a bad driver in the area of Plains Road West and Danforth Avenue in Burlington. O'Shea, 42, of Burlington was charged with operation while impaired and failure or refusal to comply with demand.

At a Police Services Act disciplinary hearing on Sept. 10, O'Shea was demoted from first-class constable to second-class constable for nine months after pleading guilty to discreditable conduct.

The hearing heard that around 12:45 a.m. that morning, a citizen made a complaint to Halton police about a 2013 GMC Sierra black pickup truck "driving erratically" on the road, according to hearing officer, acting Supt. Lisa Hewison in her decision.

It appeared as if the driver of the truck was impaired.

Halton police went to O'Shea's home and found him sleeping in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, according to hearing documents.

The ignition was running and the vehicle was parked in the driveway. O’Shea was awakened by police and placed under arrest.

In pleading guilty, O'Shea received $3,000 in fines and has been prohibited from driving for 12 months.

"Constable O’Shea’s misconduct involves a serious incident that resulted in two Criminal Code convictions. Constable O’Shea holds a position of trust to the public as a police officer which is in effect at all times whether on or off duty. Constable O’Shea abused that trust that comes as a result of the powers that he is entrusted with," Hewison said in her ruling. "The actions of Constable O’Shea operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol are very concerning. There is no doubt that engaging in such an illegal and dangerous act is very serious misconduct. Constable O’Shea’s conduct was not only unlawful but exhibited extremely poor judgment and a blatant disregard for public safety, the law, and his duties as an officer."