FAA chief on leave after drunken driving arrest

Monday, December 5, 2011

photo In this Sept. 10, 2010, file photo Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt speaks in Washington. Babbitt has been charged with driving while intoxicated following a weekend traffic stop in northern Virginia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

ion Department says Federal Aviation Administration chief Randy Babbitt is on a leave of absence and his employment is being reviewed following his arrest over the weekend for drunken driving.

According to Fairfax City police, Babbitt was charged with driving while intoxicated after a patrol officer spotted him driving on the wrong side of the street and pulled him over about 10:30 p.m. Saturday in Fairfax, Va.

Babbitt, who lives in Reston, was the only occupant in the vehicle. Police said he cooperated and was released on his own recognizance.

The Department of Transportation said in a statement that the leave was taken at Babbitt's request.