Alexandria Police Chief Retiring

Alexandria's Police Chief is stepping down, days after being charged in a drunk driving accident. Chief David Baker informed the city Tuesday that he is retiring. The retirement brings an end to his problems with the city, but his criminal problems are far from over.

FOX 5 sat down with Baker's lawyer on Tuesday night. He says he woke up Tuesday and read an email from his client saying he had decided to resign. The night before, he was set on trying to convince the public and the city that it made sense for him to stay.

Baker's lawyer also says he and his client will fight the DUI charge.

"By entering a plea of not guilty, that simply means he is requiring the government to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt," said attorney Jim Clark, Baker's lawyer.

Alexandria's mayor met with the chief over the weekend and says he apologized to the department, the city and its citizens.

"He expressed his regret and embarrassment and so forth and was very remorseful," said Mayor William Euille.

Arlington County Police say Baker had a blood alcohol level of .19, more than twice the legal limit, on Saturday night when he crashed his city-owned Ford Explorer into another car on the entrance ramp for Interstate 66 at North Fairfax Drive.

Details surrounding the night of Baker's arrest, are also coming to light. According to the criminal complaint and Baker's own attorney, Arlington County Police say Baker failed six DUI tests. They included:
a preliminary breathalyzer, which registered a 0.17
a nine-step walk and turn
counting backwards
the alphabet
a 30-second leg lift.
and once in custody, a breath test, which registered a 0.19

The complaint also states that Baker told police he had two beers 20 minutes before the accident.

If convicted, he faces up to a year in jail-- a possibility the former chief will fight to avoid.
"There's the emotional trauma of going to jail, but there is the potential for some real physical risk," said Clark.

"We are all very disappointed in what happened and by the decisions chief baker made the other night but we can't lose sight of his stellar career," said Alexandria City Manager Jim Hartmann.

Baker's departure closes the internal investigation launched by the city after his arrest. The city's second highest ranking officer Earl Cook will remain as the acting chief.

"It is with a heavy heart I take over as police chief," said Cook.

In a letter sent to the department Baker said, "It is with great humility and remorse that I announce my retirement from the Alexandria Police Department, effective immediately. Words cannot describe the pride I feel in having had the opportunity to lead such a great department."

"Regretfully, this is a wise decision to allow the police department and the city to move forward," Mayor Euille said.

The city attorney says had Baker been fired instead of retiring, it would not have affected his pension. He was with the department for 19 years, the last three as chief.

Baker is due in court on August 14. His lawyer says he plans to plead not guilty to the DUI charges.

Former Chief Baker will receive full retirement benefits. He's earned those after nearly 20 years with the force.
 

Baker sent  the following email to his officers regarding his retirement:

"My Friends,
It is with a great deal of humility and remorse that I announce my retirement from the Alexandria Police Department, effective immediately. Words cannot describe the pride I feel having had the opportunity to lead such a great department. You have much to be proud of. Your standing in the community, the region, and the country is unparralled (sic), and you are and will continue to be respected for your professionalism, innovation, and dedication to the citizens you serve.

Thank (sic) for allowing me the privilege of serving with you. I could not have asked for a better, more capable, or more compassionate group of public safety professionals to work with. As I leave the department in your most capable hands, I wish all of you health and happiness in both your personal and professional lives, and pray that you forever remain safe and secure.

Yours sincerely and respectfully,
Dave Baker"