MDTA POLICE RECOVER STOLEN CAR AFTER ARRESTING DRUNK DRIVER

Driver Nearly Three Times Over Legal Limit; Also Wanted On Warrants

BALTIMORE, MD - Yesterday, a Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police officer arrested a drunk and suspended driver who was operating a 2004 Acura model TSX that was stolen on Feb.16 in Anne Arundel County. Police stopped the driver for excessive speed (73 mph in a 55 mph zone) and drifting across multiple traffic lanes, nearly causing a collision on the I-695 Inner Loop near the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Anne Arundel County.

"Fortunately, MDTA Police Officer B. Amereihn apprehended this driver before any motorists were injured or killed," said MDTA Police Chief Colonel Jerry Jones.

"This is just one example of how we're helping to make highways safer for Maryland's families."

After making contact with the operator, police administered standardized field sobriety tests and determined that Anthony Sean Burks, 30, of Baltimore, was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. A computer background check revealed that Burks' privilege to drive was both revoked and suspended, and the Acura was stolen. Further review revealed that he also was wanted on two outstanding warrants for failure to appear and probation violation.

MDTA Police Officer Amereihn charged Burks criminally with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, theft from $1,000 - under $10,000, unlawful removal of property and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Burks' 11 traffic charges included DUI, negligent driving, driving while revoked, driving while suspended and exceeding the posted speed limit, among others. He currently is being held at the Anne Arundel County Detention Center on $50,000 bail.

The Maryland Transportation Authority Police, a nationally accredited force, is the seventh-largestlaw- enforcement agency in the State, with more than 600 sworn and civilian law-enforcementprofessionals. MDTA Police officers provide law enforcement at the MDTA's highways, bridges and tunnels; at BWI Marshall Airport; and at the Port of Baltimore.

NOTE: If you choose to use an acronym, please refer to Maryland Transportation Authority asMDTA Police. Thank you.

                                                                   ###