Officer Lauded for Anti-Drunk Driving Efforts Now Faces DWI Charge
A law enforcement officer in Oak Ridge North, Texas, who was recently celebrated for his significant contributions to cracking down on drunk drivers, is now himself facing a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge. Officer Zachery Castenon, a member of the Oak Ridge North Police Department, was taken into custody on Sunday following a report from a colleague who allegedly detected the strong odour of alcohol on him.
Castenon’s arrest comes as a stark contrast to his recent accolades. He had previously been recognised by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and was named an ‘Exemplary DWI Officer’ by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. These honours were a testament to his dedicated work and success in targeting impaired drivers within the community.
According to a statement released by the Oak Ridge North Police Department, the incident unfolded when another officer noticed the smell of alcohol on Castenon’s person. Crucially, the department noted that at the time of this observation, Officer Castenon had not yet begun any patrol duties for the day.
Following the initial concerns raised by the reporting officer to a supervisor, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) was brought in to conduct an independent investigation into the matter. Officer Castenon was subsequently booked into the Montgomery County Jail on the DWI charge. The department has also confirmed that Castenon is no longer employed by the City of Oak Ridge North.
A Promising Career Marked by Recognition
Officer Castenon joined the Oak Ridge North Police Department in 2022 and quickly gained attention for his proactive approach to combating impaired driving. His commitment to this cause led to him being featured online for his enforcement efforts.
His dedication was formally recognised in June 2024 when he received the ‘Distinguished Enforcement Hero award’ from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. This prestigious award was presented to Castenon for leading his department with an impressive 66 impaired-driving arrests, a remarkable achievement that earned him significant commendation.
Further bolstering his reputation, in February 2025, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office honoured him as an ‘Exemplary DWI Officer’ at their annual Vehicular Crimes Awards ceremony. This award specifically highlighted his exemplary performance in addressing DWI offences.
Public salary records, as reported by local media, indicated that Castenon was among the higher earners in the Oak Ridge North department, having received a substantial 10.8% pay rise in 2025, reflecting his tenure and contributions.
Official Statement and Ongoing Investigation
The City of Oak Ridge North has issued a statement regarding the incident, emphasising that due to the ongoing nature of the investigation by the DPS and the pending criminal justice proceedings, they are unable to provide further comment at this time.
The department reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring full cooperation with all relevant authorities throughout the investigation.
Furthermore, the Oak Ridge North Police Department stressed that the allegations against Officer Castenon do not represent the core values, conduct, or dedication of its entire officer force. They highlighted that the actions of one individual should not cast a shadow over the professionalism, integrity, and daily commitment demonstrated by the vast majority of their officers. The city also expressed its appreciation for the prompt action taken by department personnel in reporting their concerns and adhering to established procedures, which facilitated an independent inquiry.
