The Detroit News 17
August 8, 2012 at 1:00 am
By Christine Ferretti and George Hunter
Dearborn— A Catholic priest who allegedly drove through the city naked and intoxicated was suspended by the Archdiocese of Detroit.
The Rev. Peter Petroske, 57, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Dearborn, was placed on administrative leave Monday, archdiocese officials said.
He is charged with misdemeanor counts of operating while intoxicated and disorderly/obscene conduct, according to officials with Dearborn’s 19th District Court.
Petroske was arrested by Dearborn police late Thursday, the archdiocese said.
“The archdiocese takes such matters seriously and is cooperating fully with law enforcement,” a statement said. “This is a difficult time for the parish community, and we ask for prayers for all who are impacted.”
Other details of the arrest weren’t immediately clear Tuesday.
It’s the policy of the Dearborn Police Department to withhold comment on cases before the suspect appears in court.
Petroske will be arraigned before 19th District Judge Richard Wygonik on Aug. 14. He does not have an attorney listed, a court official said.
The archdiocese was informed of the incident and was in contact with police on Sunday, said spokesman Joe Kohn. Kohn confirmed that Petroske was nude.
Archdiocesan officials met with the parish staff Monday to inform them of Petroske’s leave of absence, he said. Kohn said Petroske will not be on the premises of the church and school during the suspension.
Recently retired priest, the Rev. Robert Blondell, has been named temporary administrator of Sacred Heart Parish and will oversee day-to-day operations. Petroske was born in Frankfurt, Germany, according to an autobiography on Sacred Heart’s website.
cferretti@detnews.com
(313) 222-2069
This is a little different. Driving under the influence, and in his birthday suit!
*Hrrrrmmmmmm….
Perhaps the synapses are not all snapping in sequence here? Mike.