[Archived] Alexandria Police Chief Arrested for DUI

July 26, 2009

Executive Deputy Police Chief Earl Cook Named Acting Police Chief

On Saturday, July 25 at approximately 11:00 p.m., Arlington County Police arrested Alexandria Chief of Police David P. Baker for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). Chief Baker was involved in a traffic collision near the intersection of I-66 and North Fairfax Drive in Arlington County. The driver of the other vehicle sustained non life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local area hospital. According to Arlington County Police, Chief Baker’s blood alcohol level (BAC) was .19 percent. Chief Baker was driving an unmarked City vehicle at the time of the accident. Following the arrest, he was released through normal booking procedures.

Because of the arrest, Alexandria City Manager James K. Hartmann placed Chief Baker on paid administrative leave, and appointed Alexandria Executive Deputy Chief of Police Earl Cook Acting Chief of Police, effective immediately.

Acting Chief of Police Cook is a 30-year veteran of the Alexandria Police Department, has served as Executive Deputy Chief of Police since August 2006, and served as an Alexandria Deputy Chief of Police for 12 years.