Dwyer Charged in August Boat Accident

UPDATE (4:15 p.m.)—Two people, including Delegate Don Dwyer (R-Pasadena), will face charges in the Aug. 22 boat accident on the Magothy River, according to the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP).

The day after the incident, Dwyer admitted to drinking on the night of the boat crash that injured seven people—including children. NRP charged Dwyer with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, which requires him to appear in court and carries a maximum penalty of $1,000 fine and/or one year in prison for the first offense.

NRP said in a press release both operators "contributed to the accident when neither operator adjusted speed nor took the necessary action with ample time to avoid a collision."

Despite a report that said Dwyer's blood alcohol content was 0.2, NRP had to wait for confirmation from the blood analysis kit and conduct a thorough investigation. NRP said Dwyer’s official blood alcohol content was 0.24—three times the limit of 0.08.

Dwyer, 54, was charged with:

• Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol
• Rules of the Road violation (fine of $85)
• Failure to obtain annual certificate of number (fine of $85)
• Negligent operation of a vessel (fine of $320)
• Reckless operation of a vessel (fine of $450)

Also charged in the incident was Mark Harbin, 52, of Pasadena. He was charged with:

• Rules of the Road violation (fine of $85)
• Failure to obtain annual certificate of number (fine of $85)
• Negligent operation of a vessel (fine of $320)

NRP said charges were placed after an investigation was reviewed by the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office.

See more:

• Police Still Interviewing Witnesses in Boat Accident
• No Charges Yet in Boat Accident Involving Dwyer
• Dwyer Thanks Supporters on Facebook After Boat Crash
• BLOG: What Should Dwyer Do Now?
• Republican Central Committee Releases Statement on Boat Crash
• Dwyer Admits Drinking Before Boat Crash
• UPDATE: Multiple People Hospitalized After Boat Accident