Butler assistant police chief back at work after arrest

The assistant police chief of the Butler University Police Department is back at work after he was briefly placed on leave following his arrest for drunken driving.

Andrew Ryan, 52, told The Indianapolis Star he has resumed his role as assistant police chief. Marc Allan, a Butler University spokesman, confirmed Ryan is back working at the university.

Prosecutors on Sept. 9 charged Ryan with two misdemeanor counts of operating while intoxicated in connection with a car crash earlier this month.

An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police report said Ryan registered a blood alcohol content of 0.27 after he collided with another driver on the Eastside Sept. 5.

“I am glad to be here,” Ryan said. He declined to comment further, citing his pending criminal case, though he said the university has been supportive.

After Ryan’s arrest, Allan said the police officer was placed on administrative leave while the university conducted an internal investigation.

Allan said he could not discuss the investigation.

Ryan’s attorney, D. Alan Ladd, on Wednesday filed a request for driving privileges, arguing that operating a vehicle is essential to Ryan’s job.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles suspended his driver’s license after his arrest.

The petition cites his full-time employment with the Butler Police Department, as well as his role as at teacher at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Academy.

The petition says Ryan is enrolled in alcohol counseling and would accept restrictions on driving privileges for the purpose of work.

Prosecutors have not yet filed a response to the petition. Ryan is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, Sept. 23.

The police report states Ryan’s car collided with another vehicle when he turned in front of it near the intersection of North Arlington Avenue and East Washington Street. The driver of the other car injured her hand.

Call Star reporter Madeline Buckley at (317) 444-6083. Follow her on Twitter: @Mabuckley88.