MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Commission President Ed Hawkins is owning up to his recent drunk driving arrest following a single vehicle accident.
“I regret the embarrassment I’ve caused. That I’ve caused to the commission, especially to Tom (Bloom) and Sean (Sikora), my fellow commissioners; to those who work for me and most of my parents,” Hawkins stated on WAJR-AM’s Morgantown AM.
Hawkins was arrested Sunday night after his classic sports car hit a couple of ridges in the roads, the rear end lifted off the roadway and spun into the guardrail. Deputy L.C. Kurentza responded to the scene and noticed the smell of alcohol on Hawkins and noted Hawkins’ eyes were bloodshot and glass. Hawkins was arrested and taken to the sheriff’s department where, according to the criminal complaint, he twice refused to submit to a breathalyzer test.
Hawkins, who admitted to drinking wine prior to the accident, was unable to explain why he refused the breathalyzer tests other than to say because he was shaken up from the accident.
Because Hawkins refused the breathalyzer test, he was automatically charged with DUI, with a blood alcohol content below .15. He was also cited for driving too fast for the roadway conditions.
“I’m not here to run away or dodge anything, we will follow the process as it goes,” stated Hawkins.
While he admits he made a lapse in judgment by getting behind the wheel, Hawkins is hopeful the residents of Monongalia County will not let this mistake color the judgment of him as a county commissioner.
“I assure you this is not a lapse of judgment that will cause any problem with what I do relative to my job as county commissioner,” said Hawkins.
Hawkins plans to preside over Wednesday’s regular commission meeting as usual.
First-offense DUI is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of $100 to $500.