Reckless Driving Citation for Speeding Councilwoman

Toles warned for 105 MPH in 55 MPH zone

A Prince George’s County councilwoman who received a warning for driving almost twice the speed limit last month now has been ticketed for reckless driving.

An officer stopped Councilwoman Karen Toles on the Capital Beltway near Branch Avenue Feb. 22 for an unsafe lane change, police said. The officer’s in-car camera showed him following Toles at 105 mph in a 55 mph zone, but his speedometer hadn’t been calibrated and he didn’t have time to pace her, so the officer only issued a warning for excessive speeding.

An executive review panel recommended the reckless driving citation Tuesday, News4's Pat Collins reported.

“I take no pleasure in this additional action but know it is the right thing to do for our county,” Prince George’s County Police Chief Mark Magaw said.

An attorney for Toles declined to comment on the traffic charge as it is pending.

“We therefore ask, in the interest of all concerned, that you reserve judgment and allow the legal process to run its course,” Rosalyn Pugh’s statement read.

The new ticket carries a penalty of $510 and six points on Toles’s license.

Toles volunteered to not drive her county-issued vehicle until she completes a driver improvement course. The county then took away the vehicle until the matter is resolved.

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