A rising young police officer in Taichung has been stripped of his command post after drunk driving, a black mark that likely ends his fast-track career.

• A 33-year-old deputy squad leader in Taichung's Criminal Investigation Corps was caught by police in Hsinchu County after drinking with friends and then driving.
• He refused a breath test when stopped early in the morning, and his car was impounded.
• Taichung police moved fast — removing him from his supervisory role and promising heavy punishment, at least a major demerit.
• He had been standing in as acting squad leader and was seen as a fast-rising star, making the fall especially steep.

Outlook: A formal investigation will follow, and the drunk-driving record is expected to sink his yearly review to the lowest grade and stall any future promotion.