Pa. Police Chief Punished Over Son's Cruiser Crash

BERWYN, Pa. (AP) — A suburban Philadelphia police chief has been disciplined after his teenage son crashed a cruiser during a training exercise.

Tredyffrin Township supervisors say Chief Andrew Chambers was suspended for four days without pay for allowing his son to drive the police car with his learner's permit.

The 16-year-old was behind the wheel with an instructor during a training course for emergency vehicle operators last month. It was held on a road closed to traffic.

According to a Thursday statement from supervisors, the teen lost control of the cruiser and hit a tree. The car had bumper damage and a flat tire. The instructor had a minor cut.

Supervisors say they are disappointed with Chambers' "uncharacteristic lapse in judgment." They say the chief paid for all damage and towing costs.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)