Huntsville, AL, September 10, 2025
News Summary
In a concerning series of events, two officers from the Huntsville Police Department have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within just a week. Officer Scott Hartman was arrested following a two-vehicle crash, while Officer George Wheeler III was apprehended after a single-vehicle wreck. Both officers are currently on administrative assignments pending investigations. The Huntsville Police Department has emphasized their commitment to accountability in law enforcement and ensuring community trust.
Huntsville — Two officers from the Huntsville Police Department have been arrested forDriving Under the Influence (DUI) in a span of less than a week. The first incident involved Officer Scott Hartman, who was arrested early Saturday morning following a two-vehicle crash. The second incident occurred on Sunday night when Officer George Wheeler III was arrested after a single-vehicle wreck.
Officer Scott Hartman was taken into custody at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday after his involvement in a crash at the intersection of Church Street and Wheeler Avenue. During the traffic stop, law enforcement officials observed signs of impairment, leading to his arrest for DUI. One of the other drivers involved in the collision suffered minor injuries and was subsequently transported to the hospital. Hartman was later released from jail on a $1,000 bond and has been placed on administrative assignment as per departmental protocol.
The following night, Officer George Wheeler III was arrested at around 11:30 p.m. after a single-vehicle wreck on Tulip Tree Lane. Wheeler was off duty at the time and did not sustain any injuries during the incident. Similar to Hartman’s situation, officers noted signs of impairment during their observations, resulting in a DUI investigation that culminated in Wheeler’s arrest. Following the incident, Wheeler has also been assigned to administrative duty while an internal investigation is conducted by the Huntsville Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division.
The Huntsville Police Department has released a statement regarding the recent incidents, affirming their commitment to accountable policing and public safety. They emphasized that impaired driving is taken seriously and communicated that the department holds its employees to the same standards expected of the general public. Both officers are currently under investigation, and the department noted that these actions do not represent the values or standards upheld by the majority of its staff.
These incidents come at a time when law enforcement agencies across the nation are facing increasing scrutiny regarding their conduct and accountability. The Huntsville Police Department intends to address these situations thoroughly, aiming to maintain the trust of the community they serve.
Background Context
The significance of upholding safety standards within law enforcement agencies cannot be overstated. DUI incidents undermine community trust and reflect poorly on entire departments. As a measure of responsibility, law enforcement officials are held to high standards concerning their behavior, particularly regarding issues like DUI. The police department’s response to these events highlights their commitment to maintaining accountability and fostering community relations.
Key Points
- Two Huntsville Police Officers arrested for DUI within a week
- Officer Scott Hartman arrested early Saturday following a crash
- Officer George Wheeler III arrested Sunday after a single-vehicle wreck
- Both officers placed on administrative duty pending investigations
- Huntsville Police Department committed to accountability and public trust
FAQ
What led to the arrests of the Huntsville Police Officers?
Both officers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) after being observed with signs of impairment during traffic stops following vehicular incidents. Officer Scott Hartman was involved in a two-vehicle crash, and Officer George Wheeler was involved in a single-vehicle wreck.
What actions have been taken against the officers?
Both officers have been placed on administrative duty while internal investigations are conducted by the Huntsville Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division.
What is the Huntsville Police Department’s stance on these incidents?
The Huntsville Police Department takes impaired driving seriously and holds its employees to the same standards expected of the public. They have committed to ensuring accountability and maintaining community trust.
Chart: Summary of Recent DUI Incidents
| Officer Name | Date of Arrest | Incident Type | Injuries Reported | Administrative Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Hartman | Saturday | Two-vehicle crash | Minor injury to another driver | Administrative assignment |
| George Wheeler III | Sunday | Single-vehicle wreck | No injuries | Administrative duty |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Huntsville Officer Arrested for DUI After Crash
Shooting Incident at Club Forty7 Leaves Man Critical
Huntsville Police Officer Arrested for DUI After Collision
Multi-Vehicle Crash During Police Chase in Hartselle
Huntsville Man Arrested After Police Chase
Six Men Arrested in Child Exploitation Operation in Albertville
20-Year-Old Arrested for DUI After Collision with Police Vehicle
Shooting Incident Investigated by Huntsville Police
Shooting Incident on University Drive in Huntsville
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Off-Duty Huntsville Police Officer Arrested for DUI Following Wreck
- WAFF: Huntsville Police Officer Charged with DUI Following Wreck
- WHNT: Second Huntsville Police Officer Charged with DUI While Off Duty
- Rocket City Now: Huntsville Officer Arrested for DUI After Crash
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Driving Under the Influence
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.
