MIDDLE RIVER, MD—Authorities have charged a Middle River man with impaired boating.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police say they charged the impaired boater in Baltimore County on September 3rd.

Officers who were on night patrol in Frog Mortar Creek stopped a boat traveling without its required 360 navigational lights and conducted a safety inspection.

Police say the operator, Charles Sanza, had difficulty producing any safety equipment on his vessel. Officers said they detected an odor of alcohol coming from Sanza and that he had bloodshot eyes and difficulty standing.

Sanza reportedly admitted to consuming five alcoholic beverages before operating the vessel. After conducting a field sobriety test, police issued Sanza two citations for negligent operation, three safety violations, and a citation for operating while under the influence of alcohol.

Sanza faces up to $890 in fines and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.