A Howard County Police officer was charged with driving under the influence early Friday morning after being stopped while off-duty in Ellicott City.
Police said Austin Michael George, a 2-year veteran of the police force, was drifting in the roadway on Rogers Avenue near Route 40 when an officer stopped him around 2:20 a.m. Friday.
The officer noticed George may be intoxicated and other officers responded. George was later charged with DUI, according to police.
“We place a strong emphasis on traffic safety in Howard County,” stated Police Chief William McMahon. “We recognize the dangers of impaired driving and focus many efforts on combating this problem. We hold our officers to the same expectations that we do of the community.”
Police said George was released and transported home by a sober driver. He was suspended from the force with pay while police continue to investigate.
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