Police Urge Lawmakers To Pass Ignition Interlock Bill
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--A massive law enforcement push for tougher drunk driving laws in Maryland.
Today, dozens of police officers flooded Annapolis calling for the passage of Noah's Law-- named after fallen Officer Noah Leotta-- killed by a drunk driver in December.
Meghan McCorkell has more on the new efforts.
Choking back tears Rich Leotta talks about losing his son.
"Nobody should have to watch their child take their last breath," he said.
December 3rd Montgomery County Officer Noah Leotta was on DUI patrol when he was struck by a drunk driver. He died 7 days later.
The driver who hit him had been charged with DUI twice before.
"My son was murdered by this irresponsible, reckless individual," said Rich Leotta.
Now, he's pushing for "Noah's law," requiring in-car breathalyzers for all drunk driving offenders.
And he's got the support of a sea of blue.
One by one ---officers from across the state tell their stories of being hit by a drunk driver.
Officer Michael Murphy is one of 50 officers struck by a drunk driver in Montgomery County last year alone. The driver that hit him had six prior convictions.
"If he had an interlock in his car it wouldn't have been on the road and he wouldn't have been able to drive," said Officer Michael Murphy, Montgomery County Police.
Twenty five states have already passed legislation requiring ignition interlocks for first time offenders, but Maryland legislation has been stalled for years.
Now, a renewed effort, so another officer isn't lost.
According to the CDC, ignition interlocks reduce repeat drunk driving offenses by 67 percent.
Some lawmakers have said they believe Maryland's drunk driving laws are strong enough.