ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland State Sen. C. Anthony Muse is under increasing public scrutiny following an Aug. 3 driving incident in Annapolis that has fueled debate over accountability for public officials after surveillance video and witness accounts surfaced online.
The incident occurred in the city’s Eastport neighborhood while the Maryland General Assembly was meeting in special session to debate congressional redistricting. According to witnesses interviewed by Spotlight on Maryland, Muse’s black Land Rover Defender, displaying official Maryland Senate license plate 26, first struck the mirror of a parked vehicle on Severn Avenue before turning onto Fourth Street.
Exclusive surveillance video obtained by Spotlight on Maryland shows the SUV taking nearly five minutes to maneuver into a parking space before coming to rest partially on a sidewalk and against a tree. Parking enforcement later issued a $100 citation.
Witnesses question whether anyone else would have been treated the same
Residents interviewed by Spotlight on Maryland questioned whether an ordinary driver would have received the same treatment.
“If it was me or someone who might not have that status, I don’t know if we would be able to be free right now and not be charged,” one resident said. “I’d assume I would be charged pretty quickly if I were to do something like that.”
Another resident described the incident as “ridiculous” and “absurd.”
Spotlight on Maryland reported that witnesses said the vehicle struck a parked car’s mirror before continuing to Fourth Street, where the unusual parking maneuver unfolded.
Surveillance video details senator’s movements
According to Spotlight on Maryland’s reporting, Muse exited the SUV after parking, briefly inspected the vehicle, and walked away.
The surveillance video reportedly shows the senator returning several minutes later, accompanied by another man, before leaving the area for about an hour.
- Surveillance video showed Sen. C. Anthony Muse’s SUV taking nearly five minutes to park before ending up on a sidewalk against a tree.
- Witnesses reported the SUV struck the mirror of a parked vehicle before the parking incident.
- Muse denied committing a hit-and-run and said he later paid a restaurant bill after forgetting his credit card.
When Muse returned, the video reportedly shows him slowly walking back toward the SUV. Police arrived at the scene minutes later, and another individual ultimately entered the driver’s seat and drove the SUV away.
Workers at a nearby Ruth’s Chris Steak House, who were not authorized to speak publicly for the restaurant, told Spotlight on Maryland that Annapolis police came to the restaurant looking for Muse after the incident.
The report also included allegations from restaurant employees that Muse had previously left without paying on multiple occasions. Muse disputed that characterization.
Muse denies hit-and-run allegation
After several days of questions from reporters, Muse released a statement addressing the incident.
“My mirror inadvertently hit the mirror of a parked vehicle,” Muse said. He described it as “a relatively minor incident” and said it was “certainly not a hit-and-run.”
Muse also responded to allegations involving Ruth’s Chris, saying he accidentally left his credit card behind on the final day of the legislative session and has since paid the bill.
However, Muse did not answer questions about whether he had been drinking that evening, whether he was detained by police, or whether he could face any additional charges, according to Spotlight on Maryland.
Annapolis police have not publicly announced any criminal charges related to the incident, and local media reported the department had not responded to repeated requests for comment.
Although many have questioned whether or not Muse was drunk at the time of his pinball driving escapade, police have not filed any charges or made any determination in the matter yet.
Muse has represented Prince George’s County in the Maryland General Assembly for decades, first serving as a delegate from 1995 through 1999 before serving multiple terms in the Maryland Senate. He is also a longtime minister at Ark of Safety Christian Church in Upper Marlboro.
FAQ
- Who is involved?
Maryland State Sen. C. Anthony Muse, a Democrat representing Prince George’s County. - What happened?
Witnesses and surveillance video indicate Muse’s SUV struck the mirror of a parked vehicle before taking several minutes to park partially on a sidewalk against a tree in Annapolis. - Was Muse cited?
Yes. Annapolis parking enforcement issued a $100 parking citation. - Did Muse respond?
Yes. He said, “My mirror inadvertently hit the mirror of a parked vehicle,” calling it a minor incident and denying it was a hit-and-run. - Were criminal charges filed?
Annapolis police have not announced any criminal charges related to the incident.
Sources: Spotlight on Maryland (Gary Collins); surveillance video reviewed by Spotlight on Maryland; public statement by Sen. C. Anthony Muse; Annapolis Police information as reported by local media.
