DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The Latest on a state lawmaker in Iowa being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and possessing a firearm while under the influence. (all times local):
1:15 p.m.
A law enforcement official says a state legislator arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and possessing a firearm while under the influence was in a vehicle that was weaving between lanes in the early morning hours.
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Ames Police Sgt. Mike Arkovich says Rep. Chip Baltimore was cited for failure to maintain lanes after a traffic stop near Interstate 35 after 3:30 a.m. Friday. He faces charges of first offense operating while intoxicated and possession or carrying a firearm while under the influence.
The 51-year-old Baltimore, whose legal first name is Francis, recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.147 percent. The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.08 percent.
Arkovich says a pistol was found under the driver’s seat. He says Baltimore has a permit to carry, but it became void because of the high blood alcohol level.
Baltimore, a Republican, was released from jail Friday afternoon. A phone number listed to his home is not accepting messages.
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12:03 p.m.
An Iowa state lawmaker has been charged with drunken driving and possessing a firearm while under the influence.
Online records show Rep. Chip Baltimore, a Republican from Boone whose legal first name is Francis, was booked Friday into the Story County Jail. The jail is about 35 miles north of the state Capitol.
The 51-year-old Baltimore faces charges of first offense operating while intoxicated and possession or carrying a firearm while under the influence. He remained jailed late Friday morning on $2,000 bond.
A phone number listed as Baltimore’s home is not accepting messages. A message to Ames police, the responding law enforcement in the area, was not immediately returned.
Baltimore is serving his fourth term as a state representative. He is chairman of the House judiciary committee.
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This version corrects the spelling of Baltimore’s first name to Francis from Frances.
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