Flask in Car Results in Firing of Capital Metro-Texas Safety Chief
The man responsible for the safety of Austin, TX citizens utilizing public transportation was relieved from his duties after officials found a flask of bourbon in his company vehicle.
Mark Ostertag is the former Director of Security and Safety for Capital Metro in Austin. According to Ostertag, he put the flask in the car for a week-long business trip in case he needed it to alleviate symptoms of a bad back while sleeping.
“It was full when they found it,” Ostertag told KXAN (NBC-Austinn) news.
Company officials defend their decision, citing policies against employees having alcohol on the premises. Ostertag was not found to be drinking on the job. Elaine Timbes, Capital Metro’s interim chief operating officer, states the incident is about possession only, and that Ostertag was not found to be drinking on the job.
Regardless of whether or not Ostertag was drinking on the job, having a flask in the car was a probably a poor choice. Many states have open container laws, or other laws which would allow an officer to cite a driver for having alcohol in the car, whether or not the driver was the one drinking.
In Virginia, many counties and municipalities have further codes on the books. All in all, having a flask in your car where people can see it, regardless of whether it’s been used, is a mistake that can cost you.
If you or someone you know has been cited for a DWI or DUI, an experienced attorney can make a huge difference in your case. Contact the Parrish Law Firm for a free consultation.
Related posts:
- Chief Justice Roberts is Concerned of the Implications of Virginia DUI Case
- DWI /DUI Laws – Know Them and Drink Responsibly
Tags: Austin, Capital Metro, virginia dwi lawyer, Virginia open container law
