Arnold officer resigns after restaurant flap
September 14, 2007
By Georgina Gustin

Florissant — An Arnold police officer was suspended and then resigned Thursday after threatening a man at a White Castle while off duty earlier in the morning.

Police officer Christopher Hoelscher of Florissant had been on the Arnold force for about six months, authorities said.

A man told police Hoelscher was in the car behind him at the drive-through of the restaurant on Lindbergh Boulevard at Patterson Road when he got out of his SUV and started threatening him.

"The officer was in line to go through the White Castle, and he's behind the other car," explained Florissant Police Chief William Karabas. "For whatever reason, (the officer) gets angry and gets out of the car and starts shouting at him."

The man, who police did not identify, moved forward in his car. At this point, the stories differ, Karabas said.

Hoelscher told authorities the man got out of his car and pulled up his shirt to display a weapon. The man told police Hoelscher drew his service weapon without provocation and then kicked his car.

Florissant police were called to the restaurant. They grabbed Hoelscher and handcuffed him on the ground. He was arrested and brought to the Florissant police department.

The Florissant officers spotted Hoelscher's police uniform in his SUV. They later informed the Arnold police of what happened.

Hoelscher was not immediately charged and was later released. Karabas said Florissant police would present their case to the prosecuting attorney for possible charges.

Hoelscher, who was a probationary officer, was suspended immediately. He later resigned, authorities said.