Video: Pacific police chief suspected of DUI

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BONNEY LAKE, Wash. - The police chief from Pacific, Wash. was arrested on suspicion of DUI Tuesday night.

Police say a driver reported Chief John Calkins weaving down Highway 410 in Bonney Lake at around 10 p.m.

According to the police report, Calkins admitted he and his wife had been drinking at a bar:

Officers say Calkins identified himself as Pacific's police chief, and as the Bonney Lake police officer continued with his questioning, Calkins grew irate, allegedly blurting out: "I know your chief" and "I know who you are."

The officer tried to administer a breath test, but Calkins suffers from throat cancer treated with a tracheotomy. Because of the hole in his throat, police say Calkins was unable to properly blow into the breathalyzer.

"When the police officer tried to get a sample through his mouth, he was unable to get the volume because he had the surgery with his throat," said Pacific Mayor Richard Hildreth.

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According to a police report, Calkins said he and his wife had been drinking.

HIldreth says Calkins did offer to take the test by blowing through his throat, but police refused. There is no mention of that in the police report.

Police say Calkins also refused to take a roadside sobriety test as well as a blood test - both perfectly within his rights.

But without a breath test or a roadside sobriety test, attorneys say it would be an uphill battle for prosecutors to get a conviction for DUI.

Pacific's mayor says Calkins has voluntarily taken leave from his duties while the matter is under investigation.

Calkins will be paid while he is off the job.