Baker Weighs In On Councilmember Warned for Speeding

County police launching executive review

County Executive Rushern Baker weighed in on the Prince George's council member warned for driving over 100 miles per hour on the Beltway last Wednesday.

Karen Toles, Councilmember from District 7, was issued a ticket for an illegal lane change last Wednesday, after being pulled over on Branch Avenue.  She received only a warning for speeding, although the dashboard camera of the pursuing officer indicated his cruiser was following Toles at 105 miles per hour.

"I have all the faith in the world that the police chief and our inspector general handle it the way it should be," County Executive Rushern Baker said on Wednesday.  "I thought her statement today was appropriate.  I think she understands the severity of it."

The Prince George's County Police Department will conduct an "executive review" of why the police officer who stopped Toles gave her a $90 ticket for an "unsafe lane change" but only a warning for speeding.

Toles was elected to her first four-year term as District 7 Council member in 2010.  She represents Capitol Heights, District Heights, Hillcrest Heights, Marlow Heights, Seat Pleasant, Suitland, Temple Hills and portions of Forestville and Oxon Hill.

In a newly-issued statement, Toles told News4: 'In addition to paying the appropriate fine, I will not be driving a county owned vehicle until voluntarily completing a driver improvement course to ensure my safety and the safety of others."
  
When County Executive Baker was asked whether this would make him consider changing policies on the use of county-owned vehicles, he said "everything will be considered."

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