Huntsville, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Two officers from the Huntsville Police Department have been arrested for driving under the influence in separate incidents. Officer George Wheeler III crashed his vehicle late Sunday, while Officer Scott Hartman was involved in a crash on Saturday. Both officers showed signs of impairment and are currently on administrative duty pending investigations. The incidents raise significant concerns regarding accountability within the department.
Huntsville
Two police officers from the Huntsville Police Department were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in separate incidents over the weekend, raising concerns about accountability within the department. Off-duty Officer George Wheeler III was arrested on Sunday, September 7, 2025, following a car crash on Tulip Tree Lane in New Market around 11:30 p.m.
Wheeler, who was not injured in the crash, showed signs of impairment when responding officers arrived at the scene. This led them to initiate a DUI investigation, during which Wheeler was ultimately arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, less than 24 hours earlier, Officer Scott Hartman was involved in a two-car crash at the intersection of Church Street and Wheeler Avenue. Hartman was arrested for DUI after officers noticed signs of impairment during the traffic stop. The other driver involved in this incident sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Hartman was subsequently released from the Madison County Jail on a $1,000 bond.
In light of these incidents, both Wheeler and Hartman have been placed on administrative duty while the Huntsville Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division conducts internal investigations into the matter. This procedure is part of the department’s effort to ensure accountability and maintain the high standards expected of its officers.
The Huntsville Police Department has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding these standards and emphasized that the actions of these two officers do not reflect the values shared by the majority of its personnel. The department is working to address the challenges posed by such misconduct and is dedicated to restoring public trust.
Details of Arrests
- Officer George Wheeler III: Arrested on September 7, 2025, after a car crash on Tulip Tree Lane. No injuries reported.
- Officer Scott Hartman: Arrested on September 6, 2025, following a two-car crash at Church Street and Wheeler Avenue. The other driver sustained minor injuries.
- Administrative Actions: Both officers placed on administrative duty pending internal investigations.
- Department’s Stance: The Huntsville Police Department emphasizes accountability and states that the behavior of these officers does not represent the values of the organization as a whole.
Background Context
The Huntsville Police Department has established various protocols and policies to ensure officers maintain high standards of conduct both on and off duty. Incidents involving officers arrested for DUI pose a significant challenge to the department and its public image, as trust and accountability are essential elements in law enforcement. These recent arrests highlight ongoing issues regarding substance abuse within public service roles and the importance of providing support and rehabilitation for officers when needed.
FAQs
What happened to the Huntsville police officers?
Two officers, George Wheeler III and Scott Hartman, were arrested for DUI following separate incidents. Wheeler was involved in a crash on September 7, while Hartman was arrested after a two-car crash on September 6.
Two officers, George Wheeler III and Scott Hartman, were arrested for DUI following separate incidents. Wheeler was involved in a crash on September 7, while Hartman was arrested after a two-car crash on September 6.
Were there any injuries involved in these incidents?
Wheeler was not injured, while the other driver in Hartman’s incident sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Wheeler was not injured, while the other driver in Hartman’s incident sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
What actions have been taken by the Huntsville Police Department?
Both officers have been placed on administrative duty pending internal investigations by the department’s Internal Affairs Division.
Both officers have been placed on administrative duty pending internal investigations by the department’s Internal Affairs Division.
Key Features of the Incidents
| Officer | Date of Incident | Location | Injuries | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Wheeler III | September 7, 2025 | Tulip Tree Lane | No | Administrative Duty |
| Scott Hartman | September 6, 2025 | Church Street and Wheeler Avenue | Minor Injuries | Administrative Duty |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Huntsville Police Officer Arrested for DUI
- WAFF: Huntsville Police Officer Charged with DUI
- WHNT: Second Huntsville Officer Charged with DUI
- Rocket City Now: Huntsville Officer Arrested for DUI
- WAAYTV: Huntsville Police Officers Face DUI Charges
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- Google Search: Huntsville Police Department DUI
- Google Scholar: Huntsville DUI Incidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Google News: Huntsville Police Officer Arrested DUI
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
