FAA Chief Jerome Randolph Takes Administrative Leave After DWI Arrest

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Jerome Randolph “Randy” Babbitt, 65, has taken a leave of absence after being pulled over and charged with a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) arrest on Saturday night in Fairfox City.

According to the arresting officer Babbitt was spotted driving down the wrong side of Old Lee Highway and was pulled over. Babbitt was stopped over at 10:30pm on the 3900 block of the highway, approximately nine miles from his Reston home.

In a release sent from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the White House they claim to have only learned of Babbitt’s arrest on Monday morning and are currently discussing whether he should be allowed to keep his job.

Reston was alone in his vehicle and police say he was cooperative during the arrest and released several hours later on his own recognizance.

Filling in for the administrator will be Michael Huerta. In their statement DOT says they learned of the arrest and one hour later made their decision to assign Huerta to the agencies top post.

Babbitt will appear in court on Feb. 2 according to Fairfax City police spokesman Sgt. Joe Johnson.

Blood and sobriety test results for DWI arrests are not released by Fairfox Police however the states legal limit is a .08 blood alcohol concentration.

Given his position which focuses on safe travel and responsibility do you believe Jerome Babbitt should be permanently relieved of his duties or provided with a non-paid suspension as a first-time offender warning.