Police Up Ante, Charge Councilwoman with Reckless Driving

A Prince George’s County Council member, accused by police last month of excessive along the Capital Beltway, has now been issued a reckless driving citation and fine.

Councilmember Karen Toles (D-Dist. 7) of Suitland was originally fined $90 and given a warning for speeding Feb. 22, according to Prince George's County police. Toles was traveling close to 105 mph—50 mph above the speed limit, according to WUSA9 and other news reports.

But Tuesday, Prince George’s County Police officials said they the traffic stop and are now slapping Toles with a $510 fine and six points on her license in addition to the reckless driving citation, according to police.

Toles was driving a county-issued vehicle at the time. She has since said that she would no longer use the SUV until she completed a driving improvement class, though she was late last week.

Prince George’s County Council Chair Ingrid M. Turner said in a statement today that the issue is now left for the courts.

“The police department has concluded the investigation into council member Toles’ Feb. 22 traffic incident with a citation for reckless driving. This is now a matter for the judicial system,” she said. 

“Prior to today’s action, the county council agreed and maintains that council member Toles will have no use of or access to a county-assigned vehicle, for her safety and the safety of others.”

Police said the officer who pulled Toles over did not have the proper equipment to cite her for reckless driving during the initial traffic stop.