Ruben Trejo: Drunk Cop Who Hit School Bus Was On His Way Into Work, HPD Says

Better or worse that he didn't make it to work?

As opposed to just being drunk and behind the wheel on a weekday afternoon with no purpose. Instead he was going in to strap on a firearm and perform his duties at the Eastside Patrol Division.

Ruben Trejo, 46, a 25-year HPD veteran, hit a private school bus around 2:15 p.m. August 13 in the 7900 block of Harrisburg; no one was seriously injured.

Today he was charged with DWI, and HPD spokesman John Cannon tells Hair Balls he was suspended with pay Friday.

It's a first-time DWI offense and would be a misdemeanor.

Cannon confirms Trejo was traveling to work in his personal vehicle.

So what happens if he made it in? What are the penalties for a cop found drunk on duty?

It can vary widely, Cannon says. The officer would be arrested and investigated, and eventually a punishment would take into account his record and the circumstances and any other factors. The chief would have the final decision, which could range anywhere from "days off" to termination.