By Sam Wildow
TROY — Former Deputy Chief Stephanie A. Slepicka of the Tipp City Police Department was arraigned this week in Miami County Municipal Court in connection with an OVI and weapons-related charges.
Slepicka, 43, of Union, entered a plea of not guilty to charges of fifth-degree felony improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle, first-degree misdemeanor possession of weapons while under the influence, and first-degree misdemeanor OVI.
Slepicka was placed on leave Wednesday, Dec. 22. Tipp City Chief of Police Greg Adkins said, after a review of the information provided by Troy Police, there was enough evidence to support an administrative investigation into the incident.
Slepicka later submitted her resignation that day, which was effective Dec. 27.
The incident took place in the area of West Market Street and South Dorset Road in Troy at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Dec. 22. According to Troy Police Department reports, a Troy officer had been flagged down by an officer with the West Milton Police Department. The West Milton officer said he had almost been struck by a white Dodge Ram traveling on the wrong side of the road.
The Troy officer located a vehicle matching the description the Dodge Ram. At first the Dodge was driving on the correct side of the road in the area of West Market Street and Dorset Road, later heading over the Interstate-75 overpass. The officer stopped at a red light, and when the light turned green, the officer observed headlights from a white Dodge Ram coming toward him. The Dodge swerved to the left of the officer to avoid hitting him, and the officer initiated a traffic stop.
According to police reports, Slepicka was later identified as the driver, and she admitted “to having a couple drinks.” The officer noted Slepicka’s speech seemed slurred, “her eyes were glassy, she had delayed responses to questions, and was not making sense with some answers.” Another responding Troy officer noted Slepicka appeared “disoriented and tired” while speaking with the officer.
The first officer asked Slepicka if she would perform field sobriety tests for him, and she turned down taking those tests. She first turned down a breath test, before changing her mind. According to police reports, Slepicka provided a deficient sample.
The officer also asked Slepicka if he could search her purse, which she stated he could. The officer then located a loaded pistol in her purse. The pistol, its magazine, and ammo were secured in the officer’s cruiser.
Slepicka was released to a sober driver after being charged.
A preliminary hearing for Slepicka is scheduled for Jan. 4.
