Saturday, December 10, 2016

PRINCE GEORGE’S CO. LIQUOR BOARD CHAIRMAN CHARGED WITH DUI AFTER MGM GRAND OPENING

The Board of License Commissioners, which Charles Caldwell heads, administers and enforces the state's alcohol and beverage laws

By Paul Wagner

Fox 5
December 9,2016

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - The chairman of the Prince George's County liquor board is facing DUI and reckless driving charges after an accident that took place as he was leaving the grand opening of the new MGM National Harbor resort and casino on Thursday night.

According to a police report, Charles Caldwell, III was arrested around 11:40 pm at the intersection of Monument Avenue and MGM National Avenue, where a crash involving two other cars had taken place. An officer who responded to the accident noticed the smell of alcohol on Caldwell's breath and gave him a field sobriety test, which police say he failed. Caldwell also refused to take a breathalyzer test, according to police.

Caldwell was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving. No one was injured in the crash.

Caldwell told FOX 5's Paul Wagner that he had been drinking and consumed a cocktail or two over a two-hour period. But Caldwell also said, "This was blown out of proportion."

Caldwell denied that he refused to take a breathalyzer test. He claimed that he took one at the police station and he said, “The results were inconclusive.”

When asked about failing the field sobriety test, Caldwell said he is almost 73 years old and that he is unsteady on his feet. He said the police were professional but “I believe they made a mistake."

Caldwell serves as the Chairman of Prince George's County's liquor board and was appointed by Gov. Larry Hogan in March 2015.

According to the county's website, the Board of License Commissioners consists of five members, all of whom are appointed by the Governor. The board administers and enforces the state's alcohol and beverage laws, and the local rules and regulations of the Board of License Commissioners.

No comments: