A York County supervisor was arrested over the weekend while boating on the Poquoson River and charged with operating the vessel while under the influence, Virginia Marine Police say.
Chad Green, York County’s District 3 supervisor, was arrested between 9 and 10 p.m. Saturday after a marine police officer noticed the stern light on the boat was not lit, said Virginia Marine Resources Commision spokeswoman Ellen Bolen.
Green was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, not having a stern light on his boat and failing to immediately stop at the request of the marine police, Bolen said.
The blood alcohol level threshold for boating under the influence is 0.08 percent, the same standard used for motor vehicles.
Green was arrested and taken to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail in Williamsburg. He was later released, Bolen said.
Bolen said the boat is Green’s personal vessel.
The investigation is ongoing, Bolen said.
Green released a statement to WYDaily about the incident, stating he was at a local waterfront restaurant with his wife and her friend earlier in the night. He was on his way home when the marine police attempted to stop his boat.
“Initially, I did not know that they were approaching my boat as there were many boats on Chisman Creek,” Green said.
He continued: “Once I realized they were approaching us, I signaled VMRC that I was going to my lighted dock (approximately 500 feet away) for their stop for both of our safety. It was never my intent to give the impression I was evading them. I have a great respect for the men and women of law enforcement and apologize for any misunderstanding. Alcohol was involved and I did make errors in judgement and want to acknowledge that I will accept any and all responsibility for my actions and will work every day to do better to serve the people of York County.”
This story has been updated to include a statement from Chad Green.
