GIRARD — A Youngstown officer had his bond set at $5,000 in Girard Municipal Court Tuesday on charges of OVI, speeding and improperly handling a firearm.

Joshua Rivers appeared before Judge Jeffrey Adler who set a preliminary hearing March 27.

Rivers, 34, is facing charges of operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) and a fifth-degree felony of improper handling of a firearm in connection with a traffic stop in Liberty conducted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He pleaded not guilty to the OVI charge, but no plea was entered for the felony charge.

A Youngstown spokesperson addressed the case.

“We are aware of the incident involving Officer Rivers that occurred this weekend and have requested the public records for review. YPD holds our officers to the highest standards of conduct and professionalism, and violations of these standards will be addressed appropriately. Due to this being an ongoing case, we are unable to comment further at this time,” the statement reads.

The incident took place just before midnight Friday on state Route 11 in Liberty after a trooper observed Rivers driving 75 mph in a 65 mph zone. Prior to the stop, the trooper reported signs of impairment, though Rivers refused to participate in field sobriety testing.

During the stop, Rivers identified himself as a Youngstown police officer, according to the OSHP.

Troopers also found a firearm in the vehicle. Rivers stated that the weapon was the one he carries while on duty. He was the only occupant in the vehicle at the time of the stop and was issued a summons.