PITTSBURGH \u2014 Pittsburgh police Sgt. Tariq Francis was going to be fired after pleading guilty to his second DUI, but today 11 Investigates learned that he turned in his resignation. <\/p>\n
11 Investigates has learned Tariq Francis, facing a five-day suspension pending termination, has resigned after pleading guilty in July to his second DUI.<\/p>\n
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 11 Investigates Exclusive: Pittsburgh Police Officer pleads guilty to another DUI, remains suspended<\/a><\/p>\n Beth Pittinger is head of the Citizen Police Review Board.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was recovering, and something went sideways, and now we know the rest of the story and it\u2019s just a tragic story all the way around for him,\u201d Pittinger said.<\/p>\n She says Francis was a good officer, well-liked, but he had his second chance. <\/p>\n \u201cHe had a good career, a good future, and he blew it,\u201d Pittinger said.<\/p>\n His troubles began five years ago, when he was charged with his first DUI, which was a hit-and-run accident with injuries. <\/a><\/p>\n Francis caught a break and was allowed to enter a program for first-time offenders the city stood by him and got him help.<\/p>\n His record was eventually wiped clean, and he was even promoted to sergeant, but late last year, he was found on the side of the road in Plum, passed out in his vehicle. He was charged again with DUI.<\/p>\n PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh Police sergeant previously convicted in hit-and-run crash facing new DUI charges<\/a><\/p>\n Last month, he pleaded guilty to a lesser DUI charge in hopes of saving his job, but PennDOT then suspended his license. <\/p>\n Under the city\u2019s new disciplinary policy agreed to by officers in the last contract, the city can fire an officer if driving privileges are suspended for more than six months.<\/p>\n Pittinger praised the new leadership for taking a tougher stance than she\u2019s seen in years, and she says this will go a long way when it comes to public trust.<\/p>\n \u201cThey can trust the bureau to do what they\u2019re supposed to do when faced with challenging behavior from their officers,\u201d Pittinger said. \u201cWe have to credit leadership for beginning the task of cleaning it up, restoring some structure.\u201d<\/p>\n Pittinger went on to say she hopes Francis gets the help he needs and ultimately turns his life around. <\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n