Dwyer Gets DUI, Year After Drunk Boating Accident

By D. Frank Smith

Maryland State Del. Don Dwyer, who was convicted last month of drunken boating in an August 2012 incident that injured seven people, was charged early Tuesday with driving under the influence, according to a police report. 

Dwyer was arrested by an Anne Arundel County police officer after he was spotted driving erratically in the Route 100 east and Edwin Raynor Boulevard area of Pasadena at about 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, according to a police report.

Dwyer was charged with driving while impaired as well as several other traffic offenses. According to Maryland court records, Dwyer was charged with 15 traffic violations.

The officer "immediately noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath and person," according to the report. Dwyer told the officer he had had two beers prior to driving, and he was returning home after being at a tavern in Baltimore City. 

The officer then asked Dwyer to step out of the vehicle to perform a field sobriety test.

"Dwyer was very unstable on his feet and had having trouble keeping his balance," according to the report.

After being read his rights, Dwyer refused to submit to a breath test. 

Through further investigation, Anne Arundel County officers determined Dwyer had been driving in a vehicle with an expired registration, and had been suspended for emissions.

His original district court sentence for the drunk boating incident included 30 days in jail, a fine and probation.  Seven people were injured in that incident, including children. Dwyer's sentencing hearing for additional charges in that incident is set for Oct. 25.