Sinepuxent Bay, MD – police in Maryland have arrested a boater after it was found that he was driving while intoxicated with a concealed handgun. After making a stop on the Sinepuxent Bay near the inlet for excessive speed, police conducted a search and investigation on the boat.
On Sunday, the Maryland Natural Resources Police were on patrol in the Sinepuxent Bay near the Inlet. They observed a boat traveling above six knots in the posted Isle of Wight Speed Zone, leading them to stop the vessel.
“Officers initiated a vessel stop and spoke with the operator, Joseph Bass, 31. According to police, Bass had an odor of alcohol and displayed signs of impairment such as glassy eyes and slurred speech. While searching the boat, officers located a loaded and concealed .38 caliber handgun,” police said. “The handgun belonged to the passenger, Thomas Daras, 39. Police conducted a field sobriety test on Bass.”
Based on test results and police investigation, he was issued three citations for impaired operation and one for negligent operation. On the other hand, Daras was charged with concealing a firearm in a boat. Daras was seen by a District Court Commissioner and was released on personal recognizance pending trial.