Coppo

HOUGHTON — Houghton County Undersheriff Kevin Coppo has taken a leave of absence after an arrest for allegedly drunk driving in a county vehicle in Traverse City last week.

At 1:51 a.m. March 3, deputies responded to the parking lot of the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, said Capt. Randy Fewless of the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Department. Dispatch received a call about a vehicle striking another vehicle in the lot. Security reported the incident and followed the driver to Great Wolf Lodge.

Coppo was driving a Chevy Silverado owned by the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office at the time, Fewless said. There were no injuries.

Deputies made contact with Coppo and arrested him for operating while intoxicated. He posted bond that day.

Coppo received a ticket, but has yet to be arraigned, according to the 86th District Court. The matter was sent to the Grand Traverse County prosecutor, who will decide whether to press charges, Fewless said.

The Houghton County Sheriff’s Office temporarily named Sgt. Jon Giachino as undersheriff.

“Jon’s knowledge of the office, dedication to the community and vision for the future aligns with the goals of our agency,” Sheriff Joshua Saaranen said in a release. “These goals include our promise not only to provide transparency, but accountability and service.”

Saaranen said the sheriff’s office could not release more details on the Coppo incident, as it is now a local personnel matter. More information will be released as it becomes available, Saaranen said.

Coppo served as interim sheriff following the July death of Brian McLean until Joshua Saaranen was appointed in September. He had been with the department for 20 years and undersheriff for five as of September, when he interviewed for the sheriff position.