Cedar Rapids cop who had patrol car at bar is "no longer with the department"

CEDAR RAPIDS – A Cedar Rapids police officer who witnesses said drove his squad car to a Marion bar is no longer with the department.

Police on Thursday confirmed that Wayne Handeland, a 21-year veteran officer in the K-9 unit, was the subject of a seven-week internal investigation after his squad car ended up at VIP Lounge in Marion on May 5.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin, a police spokeswoman, would not say whether Handeland resigned or was fired, but said Police Chief Greg Graham made the decision Wednesday.

No crimes were committed, police said, but witnesses told SourceMedia Group the officer showed up drunk to the bar in his squad car. He arrived with two women and was in the bar about 45 minutes before Marion police arrived, the bartender said.

Police learned about the officer's actions from a customer at the bar.

“Somebody took pictures and said, ‘I don't like shady cops,' and went and drove to the police station to show them,” the bartender told SourceMedia Group in May.

Police confirmed Thursday that the Cedar Rapids squad car ended up at the Marion bar, but Hamblin would not say if they determined Handeland drove it there.

It was the second embarrassing development for the Cedar Rapids Police Department in May. Undisclosed disciplinary action was taken against another officer after he was photographed asleep in his squad car on the morning of May 10. The picture was sent to local media and police, who confirmed its authenticity.

“I don't think it's a fair reflection of our department,” Hamblin said. “They were unfortunate decisions. In every profession, there are people who make bad choices.”

Hamblin said the department will seek to match another officer with Handeland's dog, Nitro.

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