'Noah's Law' Signed, Targets Repeat Drunk Drivers

ANNAPOLIS, MD — While Noah Leotta’s family still grieves the loss of their son, killed by a repeat drunk driver, a law in Noah’s name will help prevent such deaths in the future, say state leaders.

Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta, 24, was hit Dec. 3, 2015, by a car on Rockville Pike; he died a week later. The driver charged with fatally striking Leotta – while he was working as part of a holiday task force fighting drunk driving – pleaded guilty Wednesday to a manslaughter charge.

On Thursday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was joined by police officers, lawmakers and Leotta’s family as the governor signed SB 945, also known as Noah’s Law. The law requires the use of ignition interlocks for convicted drunk drivers.

The General Assembly unanimously passed ‪the law on April 11 and it will go into effect on Oct. 1.

“Their son, Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta, was killed in the line of duty as the result of a drunk driver,” Hogan said. “And thanks in large part to his family’s tireless efforts, today we are signing Noah’s Law, which will require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of drunk driving in Maryland. I’m very proud to have supported this bill.”

SEE ALSO:

• Drunk Driver Pleads Guilty in Montgomery Officer's Death
• Officer’s Funeral: Procession Images, Video
• Police Chief Denounces ‘Drunk Driver,’ State’s Weak Laws
• Dram Shop Law Needed to Deter Drunk Drivers: Leggett
• Slain Officer’s Parents Lobby for ‘Noah’s Law’

Luis Gustavo Reluzco, 47, of Olney, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by motor vehicle in Leotta’s death. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 23. Reluzco had been arrested twice before for drunk driving and has a previous conviction for drug possession.

Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger in January denounced the drunk-driving suspect in the officer’s death, along with what he called Maryland’s weak laws that do little to punish offenders.

“(Leotta) was killed by a man who decided to smoke some dope, drink for four hours and get behind the wheel of a car,” Manger said. “This officer was killed serving the public, trying to prevent the exact crime that killed him.”

"With this legislation, Officer Leotta will save hundreds of lives. We all stand behind Noah's Law," said Manger said Thursday.

The slain officer’s parents, Rich Leotta and Marcia Goldman, spoke at a February news conference to urge passage of the bill.

“My dreams are gone, I can’t get him back…I don’t want my son forgotten,” Rich Leotta said.

The couple joined state delegates and representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in urging lawmakers to expand mandatory ignition interlocks to all drunken driving offenders in Maryland.

Speaker of the House Michael Busch thanked all the advocates who worked on the legislation, which he said will save lives.

“It’s a great day, particularly for Noah’s parents. …I know it means a lot to your family, and to all the law enforcement people in the state of Maryland, because I know they realize, as well, it could be them and we want to prevent that next accident from happening,” Busch said Thursday.

»Photos from Noah's Law bill signing courtesy of Montgomery County Police Facebook page