Chief David Baker Arrested for Drunk Driving

The police chief of Alexandria was arrested Saturday night for driving under the influence of alcohol, Arlington County Police say.

Alexandria Police Chief David P. Baker was arrested around 11 p.m. after the unmarked city vehicle he was driving was involved in a car crash near the intersection of I-66 and North Fairfax Drive in Arlington County, police say. Officials say his blood alcohol level was 0.19, more than twice the legal limit. "According to Arlington County Police, Chief Baker's blood alcohol level was .19 percent," said Dana Lawhorne, Alexandria sheriff.

The driver of the other vehicle suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital and released, police say. When officers arrived at the crash scene they say Baker appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. It is unclear where the police chief had been and where he was headed.

The 58-year-old Baker has been with the Alexandria department for 19 years and was a D.C. police officer for 21 years before that.

The police chief says he is disappointed in himself. "I think we all feel heart sick about it, and the person who feels the worst about it is him," said Jim Hartmann, Alexandria City manager.

The chief was booked and released. He is now on paid administrative leave. Alexandria Executive Deputy Chief of Police Earl Cook has been named acting chief of police. Cook is a 30-year veteran of the police department.

Hartmann has the authority to fire Baker right away but says he will wait for the findings of an internal review before making a decision.

"For all the citizens of Alexandria...this is a sad, sad day for us," said Alexandria Mayor William Euille.

Meanwhile, as city administrators are launching an internal investigation, fellow officers and the public say they are shocked and concerned.

"He should be treated just like every other citizen of Alexandria would be treated, with, you know, no exceptions," said Kristin Buczek, Alexandria resident.

Chief Baker released this statement to his officers: "While I can only imagine the disappointment you feel, I want you to know how proud I am of each of you, how privileged I am to work side by side with you and how disappointed and angry I am with myself."