Former BPD Officer Found Passed Out In Patrol Car Pleads Guilty To DUI

A former Baltimore police officer pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and misconduct in office, prosecutors said Friday.

Last October, Aaron Heilman was found slumped over in his patrol car.

“This is a serious matter of public safety from an officer who swore to defend and protect the citizens of Baltimore,” State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said in a statement. “As the chief prosecutor for Baltimore City, I took an oath to uphold justice and treat every individual within the jurisdiction of Baltimore City equally and fairly under the law. This office is uncompromisingly committed to restoring community confidence in law enforcement by creating a fair and equitable justice system for all— regardless of age, race, color, creed, or occupation.”

Under a plea deal, the 27-year-old faces up to two concurrent one-year sentences with all but 30 days suspended, 18 months of supervised probation and all standard DUI penalties. That includes an ignition interlock device and an alcohol restriction on his license.

When people noticed Heilman asleep in his car, they tried to awaken him. Eventually, he rolled down his window and groggily assured them he was fine, even as one smelled alcohol. Minutes later, he was seen falling back asleep. A sergeant sent to investigate, who prosecutors said was himself working overtime, arrived to investigate. Someone at the scene gestured to indicate Heilman had been drinking, an assessment the sergeant verified through Heilman's breath, walk, speech and eyes.

A breathalyzer test conducted at his district office found his blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit. A search of his patrol car turned up an empty bottle of wine. He was subsequently arrested and terminated.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 9.