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January 23, 2004 > News > Staff member caught driving drunk

Staff member caught driving drunk

By Mark Berenson | Thresher Editorial Staff

A Rice staff member was stopped on campus by Rice University Police officers early Tuesday morning for speeding and admitted to officers that he had been drinking. The staff member was released to his on-campus residence.

RUPD Chief Bill Taylor said officers stopped the vehicle after observing it enter the campus.

“It came in Entrance 8, and the vehicle was moving through the campus at a high rate of speed,” Taylor said. “The officers finally got the vehicle stopped [in front of Lovett Hall].”

Taylor said officers did not conduct a Breathalyzer test on the staff member but determined he was intoxicated based on his own admissions and his behavior.

The situation is currently being dealt with through on-campus means, Taylor said.

“That he was released does not mean it is over with,” Taylor said. “Because [he is] not a student, it cannot go to University Court. But there are other channels.”

Taylor said some administrators have been informed of the incident.

“The administration is trying to determine who should deal with it, because there are some crossover issues involved — issues of who should do what,” Taylor said.

Most staff members who live on campus are college masters and resident associates. However, Vice President for Student Affairs Zenaido Camacho, who oversees masters and RAs, said Wednesday he was unaware of the incident.

Taylor said he does not think a ticket was issued to the staff member Monday but one could still be issued.

End of article

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