Around the country, stories involving driving under the influence/driving while intoxicated often make it into the news, even thousands of miles from where the events occurred. Unfortunately, a story from Chicago has made national headlines after a police officer's bail was set at $2 million this week. Law enforcement officials familiar with the case believe that Richard Bolling was driving while under the influence of alcohol early on Saturday morning, traveling the wrong way down a one way street in the Windy City. Bolling has been charged with DUI, reckless homicide, and leaving the scene of an accident after he allegedly hit a young teenager who was riding a bike. Trenton Booker, who was 13 years old, was riding down the one way street in his South Side neighborhood at about 1:30 in the morning after he snuck out of the house sometime after he went to bed. Booker was struck and died at the scene. Bolling allegedly failed to call authorities. He remains in jail in lieu of the $2 million bond and has been relieved of his law enforcement duties; the Chicago Police Department is also investigating the accident as a personnel matter.
In news from the Northeast, the actor Rip Torn has been allowed to complete an alcohol education class rather than face jail after a DUI arrest in December. He pleaded not guilty to the charge earlier this year. Torn, who is 78, is known for his roles in \ television shows, including "30 Rock" and movies such as "Men in Black." He resides in Salisbury, Connecticut, and this is his first DUI offense in the state. He has, however, been arrested for DUI on two prior occasions in New York. Torn's driving privileges have been not been revoked by the state.
The original reports are available here and here.
