Charged With DUI, [Alexandria VA Police] Chief Put On Leave

Washpost ^ | 07/27/09 | Allison Klein

[freespirited]

Alexandria Police Chief David P. Baker is on administrative leave after a car crash in Arlington County late Saturday led to his arrest on charges of drunken driving.

Baker, who was driving an unmarked city vehicle, had a blood alcohol level of 0.19, more than twice Virginia's legal limit, authorities said.

City Manager James K. Hartmann ordered an internal investigation into the incident, which will be conducted by Alexandria's human resources department and the city attorney's office.

Deputy Police Chief Earl Cook, a 30-year veteran of the department, was named acting chief.

"It is very disappointing when any of our colleagues makes a bad decision," Hartmann said at a news conference Sunday. He said that although he has the authority to fire Baker immediately, he will await the findings of the internal review, which are expected within a week.

[freespirited]

Good grief.

[Paladin2]

Well, we’ve finally found a cop acting stupidly.

[maggief]

Maybe he can get a gig on CNN.

[buccaneer81]

I’m shocked that he allowed himself to be tested.

[skeptoid]

SNIP - Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille (D) said that before Saturday night, there were "no blemishes" on Baker's record. "He's highly respected," Euille said.

Alexandria Police Chief David P. Baker was arrested
Saturday night for drunken driving.
(Courtesy of Arlington County Police

SNIP - Alexandria Sheriff Dana A. Lawhorne said he has worked with Baker for about 20 years and has never seen him impaired. "He's always physically and mentally fit," Lawhorne said. "He prides himself on that."

[Rembrandt]

This is probably not a politically correct question, but is Alexandria Police Chief David P. Baker by any chance a Republican voter/supporter? I’m also guessing that the woman mentioned in the article who had been stopped for DUI, but kept her job, was Democrat.

Baker is toast, IMHO.

D.C. politics is strictly a Democrat party, no Republicans need expect an invite.

[freespirited]

I dont think it’s an elected position. But I can tell you that the People’s Republic of Alexandria Virginia is a RAT hellhole. Not quite Berserkley but close.

[mikey_hates_everything]

Too bad he probably crashed into a civilian’s car, otherwise we would have never heard about this. Arlington Co. cops would have covered for him.

[WVKayaker]

... he has worked with Baker for about 20 years and has never seen him impaired. "He's always physically and mentally fit," Lawhorne said. "He prides himself on that."

Pride goeth before a fall...