Alexandria Police Chief Arrested For DUI

ARLINGTON, Va. (WUSA) -- Alexandria Police Chief David Baker is on administrative leave after being arrested Saturday night in Arlington for Driving Under the Influence.

Alexandria's spokesperson Tony Castrilli says Baker was arrested by Arlington Police after he was involved in a traffic accident around 11 p.m. He was driving a city-owned vehicle and caused the accident. Chief Baker had a blood alcohol level of .19 percent; that's more than twice the legal limit.

The arresting officer reported Baker smelled of alcohol and hesitated and repeated his words. Sgt. D. Green administered a field sobriety test in which he had Baker try to walk nine steps, lift his leg, count backwards and recite the alphabet. Sgt. Green said Baker failed all four tests.

"That's awful. He's supposed to be setting a good example for the rest of us," said Anroine Lawman who was walking into the Arlington Courthouse on Monday.

Sgt. Green also reported that, "Mr. Baker advised he drank two beers twenty minutes before the accident."

Several people found that admission laughable.

"He said he drank two beers... yeah, and he was only 38 pounds," said Keith Buell near the Arlington Courthouse.

"It's easily 8 to 10 beers," said Bill Carnell."

Alexandria officials say Executive Deputy Chief Earl Cook has been appointed to acting chief.

City officials say he was driving a city vehicle when he got into an accident last night. The city manager says according to its policy, driving a city vehicle while intoxicated is a fireable offense.

Alexandria officials were quick to respond to this embarrassing bombshell. City Manager Jim Hartmann and Mayor William Euille held a press conference Sunday morning. The city manager has placed Baker on paid administrative leave. They have begun to talk with rank and file.

Acting Chief Earl Cook says, "This is a behavior I've never seen. It is something not part of his career or even ethics. I've known him for 19 years, so this is surprising it came up at all."

Officials say Baker was driving a city vehicle on North Fairfax Drive merging onto I-66 in Arlington County when he hit another car. The driver of the other vehicle suffered minor injuries.

With nearly 40 years in law enforcement, Baker spent half his career in DC and 19 years on the Alexandria police force, three of those years as chief.

They say 58-year-old Baker has an impeccable record. The man who spent his entire professional career in law enforcement faces the possible end to his career because of the incident.

Jim Hartmann says, "It's disappointing when our colleagues make a bad decision and it comes to a conclusion such as this."

Officials say Chief Baker went through normal booking and bonding procedures. The investigation is being conducted through the city manager's office.

Baker's future will ultimately be the city manager's decision.

He says he wants the investigation to be transparent and wants to take swift action. A decision on Baker could happen within the week. Baker's arraignment is Wednesday.