LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — Prosecutors are now investigating a motorcycle crash that left Leavenworth Fire Department Chief Mark DeMaranville seriously injured last month.
The investigation is focusing on whether alcohol played a role in the crash. But DeMaranville, who is still on the job and has not been charged with anything, is now fighting rumors in his own department that he was drunk at the time of the September 5th crash.
DeMaranville was riding his motorcycle on county road 18 near U.S. 72 when the crash occurred.
“I remember being over, and I remember being in the ditch,” said DeMaranville, 45, who now walks with the aid of a crutch. He says he injured his hip and suffered cuts to his head and back in the crash.
DeMaranville says that a nephew took him to the hospital. He says that he had been at a relative’s house and then a friend’s house in the country prior to the wreck.
According to an accident report at the time of the crash, DeMaranville reported that “another vehicle” had been involved in the wreck, but the investigating officer could not confirm that.
A source who did not want to go on camera told FOX 4 that DeMaranville was drunk at the time of the wreck. DeMaranville admits to having a few beers before the wreck, but insists that he would not have gotten on his motorcycle if her were impaired.
“If it comes back that I was over the legal limit or something, yes I’m very concerned and would be embarrassed.” said DeMaranville.
The Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Department has not released the results of a blood alcohol test taken at the time of the crash. The Leavenworth County Prosecutor’s Office will determine if DeMaranville will face any criminal charges.
