Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — A Youngstown police officer is scheduled to appear in Girard Municipal Court today following a traffic stop that led to charges of operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) and improper handling of a firearm, according to information provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Joshua Rivers, 34, will appear before Judge Jeffrey D. Adler.

He was stopped on state Route 11 in Liberty about 11:49 p.m. Friday after a trooper observed him traveling above the posted speed limit. Court records show Rivers was cited for driving 75 mph in a 65 mph zone.

Before the stop, the trooper reported signs of impairment, though Rivers refused to undergo field sobriety testing. The highway patrol confirmed that Rivers is a Youngstown police officer and that Rivers had identified himself as an officer during the stop, according to OSHP.

Troopers also discovered a firearm in the vehicle, leading to an additional charge of improper handling of a firearm, a fifth-degree felony. Troopers said Rivers identified the weapon as the one he carries on duty.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed the incident, but more information will be included in a police report.

Rivers was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the stop. Troopers said he was issued a summons.

A Youngstown Police Department spokesperson could not be reached for comment.