Gibsonburg Police Officer Was in Possession of Firearm & Duty Belt at Time of OVI Crash

SENECA COUNTY – A 23-year-old Gibsonburg Police Officer named Jordan Queen was charged with Operating a Vehicle while Impaired (OVI) by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office following an incident in which she crashed her car into a pole on State Route 101 at approximately 1:30 AM early Saturday morning. Queen’s BAC was a .117, more than twice the legal limit.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

According to a Seneca County Towed Vehicle Form provided to The Fostoria Free Press, Queen was in possession of her duty belt includng a Glock firearm along with a bottle of Crown. In the State of Ohio, possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol is not classified as a felony but rather as a first-degree misdemeanor under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.15. This law states that no person, while under the influence of alcohol or any drug of abuse, shall carry or use any firearm or dangerous ordnance. A first-degree misdemeanor can carry penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

Police work is inherently stressful, with long hours, exposure to trauma, and the constant responsibility of public safety weighing heavily on officers. When stress and emotional strain go unaddressed—whether due to stigma, lack of resources, or inadequate support systems—it can lead to poor decision-making, such as drinking and driving, which Queen’s case exemplifies. This not only jeopardizes their own safety but also erodes public trust in those sworn to protect it. Prioritizing mental health resources and stress management for officers isn’t just a matter of personal well-being; it’s a public safety imperative that can prevent such lapses in judgment from spiraling into legal and ethical breaches.

The critical question that arises is whether this particular incident may have originated from undisclosed internal challenges within the Gibsonburg Police Department, or if it is an isolated occurrence.