Texas cop handed award for no-nonsense approach to drunk drivers is charged with most embarrassing crime imaginable

Published: 00:29, 2 June 2026 | Updated: 00:35, 2 June 2026 A Texas cop once awarded for his efforts to crack down on drunk drivers is now facing a DWI charge of his own. Officer Zachery Castenon with the Oak Ridge North Police Department was arrested Sunday after a colleague reportedly said he reeked of alcohol. Castenon was previously honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and named an 'Exemplary DWI Officer' by the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office for his work targeting impaired drivers, local outlet Chron reported. 'Upon [Castenon's] arrival, another Oak Ridge North Police Department officer detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person,' the department wrote in a statement. 'At that time, Officer Castenon had not yet assumed any patrol-related responsibilities,' they added. After the officer reported concerns to a supervisor, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) was contacted to investigate the incident.  The cop was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on the driving while intoxicated charge and is no longer employed by the City of Oak Ridge North, the department confirmed. Officer Zachery Castenon with the Oak Ridge North Police Department was arrested Sunday The cop was previously named an 'Exemplary DWI Officer' by the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office Since joining the force in 2022, Castenon was featured online for his work targeting impaired drivers.  Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) honored Castenon with the 'Distinguished Enforcement Hero award' back in June 2024. Castenon received the award after leading his department with 66 impaired-driving arrests, a distinction that earned him recognition from MADD. In February 2025, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office named the cop an 'Exemplary DWI Officer' at its annual Vehicular Crimes Awards ceremony.  Over four years with the department, Castenon climbed the ranks of Oak Ridge North's top earners, receiving a 10.8% raise in 2025, according to public salary records obtained by the outlet.  'Because this matter remains under investigation by DPS and the criminal justice process is ongoing, the city will not comment further at this time,' the department wrote in the statement. They added the city remains 'committed to transparency and accountability and will continue to cooperate with all appropriate authorities.'  A fellow officer reported that Castenon allegedly reeked of alcohol The department emphasized that the allegations against Castenon do not reflect the values, conduct, or dedication of its officers The department emphasized that the allegations against Castenon do not reflect the values, conduct, or dedication of its officers.  'The actions of one individual do not reflect the professionalism, integrity, and dedication demonstrated daily by the men and women of the Oak Ridge North Police Department.  'The city appreciates the actions taken by department personnel in promptly reporting the concern and following established procedures to ensure an independent investigation,' they added. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.