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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. - Prince George's County Council Member Mel Franklin has been charged with drunken driving.
Franklin crashed a county-owned SUV into a car at a red light on November 21 around 11:30 p.m., according to Maryland state police. Two people in the Mercedes he hit were taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries. He was later charged with driving while impaired and driving under the influence of alcohol, among other offenses.
Police say Franklin tried to flee the scene on foot after the accident, but a first responder spotted him. He was wandering in the center median of the peninsula about 70 yards away. When he was arrested he had a blood alcohol level of .10, Maryland State Police said.
Franklin is a known activist, member of Prince George's County NAACP and a very involved member of the community. He's serving his second term as council member representing Upper Marlboro.
His attorney released a statement saying, "On November 21, 2016, my client, Mel Franklin, was involved in a motor vehicle accident. As you are aware, this is a legal matter and these issues will be addressed in court."
The Prince George's County Council also released a statement Wednesday saying they are aware of the situation and that Franklin has handed over his county vehicle and will no longer have access to it or any county-issued vehicle.