Sacred Heart Priest Suspended Following Drunk Driving, Indecent Exposure Charges

By John Hetzler
The Patch
August 7, 2012

http://dearborn.patch.com/articles/sacred-heard-priest-suspended-following-arrest


The Archdiocese of Detroit has suspended the Rev. Peter Petroske, a priest at Sacred Heart Parish in Dearborn, following his arrest on drunken driving and indecent exposure charges.

Petroske was placed on administrative leave on Monday, according to a statement from the archdiocese.

Dearborn police arrested Petroske on Thursday, Aug. 2, for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and indecent exposure, the archdiocese said. He was alone in his vehicle.

According to the Detroit News, the Archdiocese confirmed that Petroske was naked when police pulled him over.

The 57-year-old priest will not be allowed on church or school premises during his suspension.

Officials of the archdiocese said they learned of the incident over the weekend, and they informed the parish staff on Monday of Petroske’s leave of absence.

The Rev. Robert Blondell, a retired priest from the Archdiocese of Detroit, will take over day-to-day operations at Sacred Heart during Petroske’s absence.

In its statement, the archdiocese said it is cooperating with Dearborn police.

According to the Detroit News, Petroske will face an arraignment before Dearborn District Court Judge Richard Wygonik on Aug. 14.