Alexandria police chief arrested for DUI in Arlington

ARLINGTON, Va. - He has been a cop for 40 years. And now, there's shock and surprise in Alexandria as word spread that their police chief had been arrested for drunk driving.

Chief David Baker faces arraignment Wednesday after drunk driving charges stemming from an accident on North Fairfax Drive near the I-66 ramp in Arlington.

The incident occurred around 11 p.m. Saturday. Arlington police say Baker's blood alcohol level was .19 percent, more than twice the legal limit to drive. He was driving a city-owned vehicle at the time.

Baker was just coming off vacation Saturday. Alexandria city officials say Baker had been in Ocean City and picked up a city-owned car that day, but did not pick up his service weapon at police headquarters.

The driver of the other car was injured in the crash, but has since been released from the hospital.

Baker and his attorney have not done any interviews since the arrest. People who have talked with Baker say he's mortified and angry with himself.

City Manager James Hartmann says Baker has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending an investigation.

"It's very disappointing obviously when any of our colleagues makes a bad decision that comes to a conclusion such as this," Hartman says.

Baker could eventually be fired for the incident.

Hartmann says his office has already started an internal review and will determine whether Baker will keep his $145,000 a year job during his trial.

The city's decision take about a week.

"We are going to be as transparent as possible during this case," Hartmann said.

In the meantime, Hartmann has appointed Deputy Chief Earl Cook to take over the department.

Cook says Baker has a stellar record of 40 years of police work and that this incident is very disturbing.

"It's important for us to be open and honest with our own members of the force," Cook says. "The reaction has been surprised, as you might might understand, but also very much concerned about the chief."

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