Chief's Son, Officer Marquis Williams Charged with Drunk Driving

Ohio,MASSILLON

Massillon police Officer Marquis D. Williams, son of Chief Robert Williams, was charged with drunken driving Saturday by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Several motorists spotted Williams driving out of control in the southbound lanes of I-77 around 3:52 a.m., according to Lt. Eric Sheppard of the Canton Post.

"We had received several citizen's band radio reports of a vehicle traveling southbound on I-77," Sheppard said. "The vehicle exited Everhard Road and was subsequently observed by one of our officers.

"The officer had observed further marked lanes violations, initiated the traffic stop, just east of Belden Village Avenue on Everhard. The officer had seen obvious signs of impairment and placed him under arrest."

Williams, 24, was transported to the Canton Post of the Highway Patrol, where he submitted to an alcohol breath test.

Williams' breath-alcohol content was 0.11 percent, just above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. He faces charges of operating a vehicle impaired and marked lanes violations, both misdemeanors.

Sheppard said he did not know where Williams was coming from or where he was headed or if anyone else was in the car at the time of the arrest. He also did not have the make or model of the vehicle Williams was driving at the time.

Safety Services Director Mike Loudiana said the city was made aware of the incident, but is waiting to see a police report and learn the outcome of a court trial before disciplining Williams.

"I don't have all of the facts," Loudiana said. "I know he was picked up by the State Highway Patrol, but he was released. He was not jailed."

Loudiana said Williams isn't due back to work until Wednesday, the same day he is scheduled for arraignment in Massillon Municipal Court. Loudiana said until then he has no other comment.

Loudiana added that the police chief will have no role in any potential punishment his son may face.

Williams was hired by the city along with two other patrolmen a year ago. He has prior driving violations of speeding (2004) and driving with expired plates (2007), according to court records.

Chief Williams did not return calls Monday seeking comment.

The arrest marks the second time in as many months that a city safety services employee has been arrested for drunken driving. In July, the State Highway Patrol arrested 34-year-old Paul Harbaugh, a firefighter, for driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.091 percent.

Harbaugh, who was also charged with felonies for drug possession and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle, failed several field sobriety tests, according to reports.

His case has been transferred to a Stark County grand jury.