Baltimore County officer arrested on DUI charges

TOWSON, Md. (WMAR) - Philip and Cindy Mullikin watched a Baltimore County police captain get busted for driving drunk over the St. Patrick's Day weekend.

"At one point he sat on his fender, and I was told that was for him to think about it because he didn't want to take the breathalyzer. He didn't want to do the walking," said Cindy Mullikin.   

The Mullikins support law enforcement.  In fact, they donate money to help track down offenders.

But there's no siding with an officer who's been drinking.  Their daughter was killed by a drunk driver in 1998.

Catherine's Cause in Carroll County has raised about $80,000 to support law enforcement and provide scholarships to students.  Twenty-year-old Catherine wanted to be a teacher.

"It changes your life. Absolutely, it changes your life. You're not the same person. I still laugh, but I don't laugh like I used to laugh," said Philip Mullikin, Catherine’s father.     

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office set up a checkpoint on Hanover Pike in Hampstead Saturday night.  Captain Matthew McElwee was one of two arrests.

The 43 year old refused a breathalyzer and was charged with DUI.  A spokesman for the Sheriff's Office says it's not uncommon for first-time DUI offenders to be cited and sent home.

Workers at the nearby liquor store watched officers put up the signs.

"You gotta play by the rules. It's unfortunate that someone in law enforcement would be charged with DWI," said Tim Smith, the Liquor Shoppe. 

Captain McElwee called for a sober ride to take him home when his brothers in law enforcement released him.

"People can find a ride home when they get caught by police. Why can't they get a ride before they ever get to that situation," said Cindy Mullikin, Catherine’s mother. 

A spokesman for Baltimore County police says Captain McElwee was driving his personal vehicle and not carrying a weapon when he was arrested.

He was removed from his position and placed on administrative duty.