“It’s not my proudest moment,” is how State Rep Chip Baltimore, who represents Greene County in the Iowa legislature, characterized his arrest for operating while intoxicated- first offense this morning while speaking with a KCCI reporter.
According to court documents, Baltimore was stopped on Highway 30 at Dayton Ave, just west of I-35 in Ames, shortly after 4 am Friday. An Ames police officer had responded to a report of careless driving on I-35, and then observed Baltimore swerving from lane to lane.
Baltimore told the officer he had a handgun in his car. He was also charged with carrying a weapon while intoxicated, which is illegal even for those (like Baltimore) who have carry permits.
According to court documents, Baltimore’s blood alcohol was .147 percent, nearly twice the legal limit.
Baltimore, a Republican, is in his fourth term representing the 47th House district, which includes Boone and Greene County. He is chair of the House judiciary committee.
Baltimore is in Greene County frequently. Recent public events have included the Courthouse 100 celebration in late October, and an informal conversation with the Greene County Schools board of education last month.
