Prince George's County councilmember, Jamel (Mel) R. Franklin has been charged with a DUI in connection with a crash that happened earlier November, WUSA9's Scott Broom confirms.
The crash happened on November 21 around 11:34 p.m. on southbound Route 4, just north of Dower House Road close to Upper Marlboro. When crews got to the scene they found two vehicles involved in the crash at a traffic light.
Police said the investigation shows that a 2008 Ford Explorer ran into the back of a 2007 Mercedes S550. The Mercedes was halted at the light. Both the driver and passenger of the Mercedes were transported to the hospital for their injuries.
According to police the 40-year-old councilmember was not at the immediate crash scene. He was seen walking about 70 yards away from the scene in the median. Franklin was then spotted walking back toward the crash as officers arrived.
An investigation revealed that Franklin had been driving under the influence. He was taken to the State Police Forestville Barrack and charged with driving under the influence, driving while impaired, negligent driving, and failure to control speed to avoid a collision.
The investigation is continuing.
Franklin has been representing District 9 since December 6, 2010, according to Maryland.gov.
We will continue to update you as we learn more.
