USFK Servicemember Charged with DUI in Motorcycle Crash Near Osan Airbase
I am surprised this NCO was even able to get on his motorcycle much less drive it with a .323 blood alcohol level:
A United States Forces Korea (USFK) service member is under investigation by local police for allegedly causing an accident while driving a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol, according to the law enforcement authorities, Tuesday.
Korea Times
Pyeongtaek Police Station in Gyeonggi Province said a 37-year-old male sergeant, whose identity has been withheld, is accused of driving under the influence at the time of the accident. He crashed his motorcycle into a Kia Sorento at a three-way intersection near Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek at around 7:40 p.m., Sunday.
The sergeant left the scene of the collision, leaving his motorcycle behind. The Sorento driver reportedly suffered minor injuries.
After police arrived on the scene, they tracked the owner of the motorcycle through the license plate number and found that the vehicle belonged to a person on Osan Air Base.
The sergeant turned himself in at around midnight, shortly after local police launched a joint investigation with U.S. military police. His blood alcohol level at the time he turned himself in was 0.323 percent, well above 0.08 percent, which would qualify for the revocation of a driver’s license.
You can read more at the link.
Any service member knows drinking and driving can hurt your career. As an 37-year-old NCO, this individual was probably responsible for teaching others. And as if the drunk driving wasn’t enough, he left the scene of the crash.
While I do feel sorry for the fellow, the command needs to make an example of him. He can’t be allowed to keep all his stripes or get off with merely a letter of reprimand.
Otherwise, the younger airmen will understand that type of behavior is okay, and people will die.
I am not saying I am or was any better at morality, driving, or leadership. But “Needs of rhe service come first.”
I mean, at age 37, he might be a TSGT or MSGT and very visible across not just the Wing but all USFK and more.
I’m not saying boot the guy without a fair hearing; but he needs Court Martial, not an Article 15.
Sarge, if you can’t get the motorcycle running, flee the scene of the accident on foot. It is summer so find an obscure area and sleep it off.
Next day, lose the smell of alcohol and show up wondering what happened.
Last you remember, you were going for a bike ride and you woke up in a field. And your bike is missing.
Accident? That explains it.
Somebody hit me? In Korea? Shocking.
They must have been drinking.
Me drinking? Not me. I don’t drink and drive motorcycles. Do I look stupid?
How much will I get compensated for my traumatic head injuries?
How much will disability pay? That much? Shame my career was cut short.
Most people pass out in the .27 ~ .28 range (ask Bill Cosby), yet this guy registered a .32 hours after the accident? At that level of toxicity, a person couldn’t function much less “turn himself in”.
Accident was at 1930 and he turned himself in after midnight. He must’ve gotten drunk AFTER the accident. Call me if you need a defense lawyer.
The article says the legal limit is .08. In 2020, it was reduced to .03.
And Set, Article 15s are automatic discharges anymore. Maybe not a direct action from the Article 15 but denied reenlistment, promotion, PCS, schools, cross-train, TDY, etc. There may be Article 15 recipients walking around here and there, but only until they’re kicked out.
It’s likely he’s >16 TIS which takes SECAF approval to kick him out.
“I was just our for a night ride after writing my monthly sponsorship check to the local chapter of the temperance movement when I was approached by two Koreans in Dokdo shirts. They yelled, “This is Kimchee Country,” hung a Comfort Woman Rememberance Ribbon around my neck, and then they poured two bottles of soju down my throat.
I am the victim here.”
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