Bars Followed Coronavirus Rules; Drivers Were Impaired: Police

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland State Police set out on Thanksgiving eve to enforce coronavirus regulations, an operation that Gov. Larry Hogan announced Monday. Troopers said the "overwhelming majority" of businesses were compliant.

Police inspected more than 730 restaurants and bars overnight. Troopers also received more than 200 tips to their coronavirus compliance unit. State police forwarded this information to local departments. Marylanders can report violations by calling 833-979-2266 or emailing prevent.covid@maryland.gov.

In several situations, police explained the coronavirus regulations to receptive business owners, who fixed their violations. Troopers gave fewer than 10 warnings for lack of masks and improper social distancing. State police did not arrest anybody on coronavirus-related charges.

An incident report said troopers responded to a handful of crashes the night before Thanksgiving. Police suspected that alcohol was involved in eight of them. Here is a breakdown of those accidents by county:

• Three in Harford County
• Two in Cecil County
• One in Anne Arundel County
• One in Carroll County
• One in Garrett County

Troopers said they spotted a loaded pistol with "an obliterated serial number" outside a vehicle of the motorist in the Anne Arundel County accident. Troopers also said they seized 44 suspected oxycodone pills and about half a pound of marijuana from the driver.

Police also found a loaded handgun in the jacket of the Carroll County motorist.

Troopers said both drivers could not legally own guns.

Troopers arrested at least 16 impaired drivers during their pre-Thanksgiving operation. The agency reminded residents to drive sober and said police will remain on high alert for impaired motorists during the holiday season.

RELATED:

• New COVID Policing Unit To Launch In Maryland On Thanksgiving Eve

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