State legislator Chip Baltimore arrested on OWI and weapon charges

State Rep. Francis "Chip" Baltimore, a Boone Republican who has pushed for legislation to keep drunken drivers off the roads, was arrested early Friday in Ames and charged with operating while intoxicated and possession of a firearm while under the influence.

Baltimore, 51, a lawyer who chairs the Iowa House Judiciary Committee, told an Ames police officer he had been en route to his home in Boone after attending meetings in Des Moines, according to court records.

A police report obtained by the Des Moines Register stated Baltimore consented to a chemical breath test on a state certified device which registered his blood alcohol content at 0.147. The legal limit for operating while intoxicated is .08.

Baltimore could not immediately be reached for comment Friday, but he told KCCI-TV, "This is not my proudest moment" shortly after making his first appearance in Story County District Court. Asked whether he would continue as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, he replied, "That is not my determination to make."

Iowa House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, issued a statement regarding Baltimore's arrest: “Drunk driving is unacceptable behavior for anyone, let alone a state legislator. We will work through this issue and take appropriate action quickly, We will also work with Rep. Baltimore to get him the help and support that he needs at this time.”

A spokesman for House Republicans said, "We will have no further comment at this time."

The police report said Baltimore was stopped by an Ames police officer shortly before 4 a.m. after authorities received a report of a reckless driver traveling northbound on Interstate Highway 35. The vehicle was described as operating at varying speeds and swerving in and out of its lane.

The police report said Baltimore was driving a dark-colored 2014 Ford Explorer when an officer observed him traveling at approximately 55 mph in a 70 mph zone that was entering a 65 mph zone. He was pulled over by police near U.S. Highway 30 westbound and Dayton Ave.

The officer said Baltimore had slurred speech, bloodshot watery eyes, slowed movements and admitted to drinking about three drinks with the last drink being three hours earlier, and his breath smelled of alcohol. The lawmaker stepped out of his vehicle and failed a walk and turn test, the police report said.

After Baltimore was placed under arrest for a first offense of operating while intoxicated, he admitted to an officer that he had a Smith & Wesson handgun under his driver's seat, the police report said.

Baltimore was able to produce a concealed carry permit issued by the Boone County Sheriff's Office, and he was transported to the Story County Jail, the report said. Court records show that Baltimore was also cited for improper use of lanes.

Ames Police Sgt. Mike Arkovich said that under Iowa law, Baltimore's permit to carry was invalidated because his blood alcohol content exceeded .08. "You cannot be carrying when you are intoxicated," he said.

Baltimore was wearing handcuffs and accompanied by a deputy as he appeared in court Friday morning. The lawmaker was subsequently released from the Story County Jail based on his promise to appear in court, according to the Story County Sheriff's Department.

Baltimore, who is an Oskaloosa native, is serving his fourth term in the Iowa House after initially winning election in 2010.

As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Baltimore has presided over discussions on proposals to curb drunken driving. Two years ago, lawmakers began considering a bill to required people convicted of an alcohol-related offense, including driving while intoxicated, to check in at a law enforcement office twice a day and take a breath test. Those who tested positive for alcohol or some other drug would face immediate consequences, including being taken to jail.

The bill failed to win final approval in 2016, but last year a version of the proposal was passed by lawmakers and signed into law by Gov. Terry Branstad. The program, however, will only be used in Iowa counties that volunteer to implement it.

Numerous attempts have been made in recent years to require all people arrested for driving while intoxicated to install ignition interlocks in their vehicles. When a driver with alcohol on their breath blows into the device, the vehicle won’t start. The proposal, which is expected to be proposed again this year, has never made it the floor of both the Senate and House for debate.

In late 2016, Baltimore told The Des Moines Register that he didn’t know of a lawmaker who was “pro-drunk driver."

“I think there’s a big group of caring people who want to make sure we keep drunk drivers off the street,” he said. “There’s just disagreement on how we are going to do that and who is going to pay for it.”