MIDDLE RIVER, MD—Officers on boat patrol in Middle River arrested an Essex man for impaired driving and excessive speed earlier this month.

At around midnight on August 7, officers were on boat patrol in Middle River and Norman Creek when they observed a vessel exceeding 25 knots. The area is restricted to 6 knots on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

According to police, the operator, Kevin Palumbo, 45, had slurred speech and difficulty keeping his balance. In addition, there were two open containers of alcohol in the center console of the vessel. Palumbo also struggled with keeping his balance and stumbled multiple times.

Additionally, police detected an odor of alcohol coming from Palumbo. Officers escorted him back to shore and administered a field sobriety test. After obtaining the results, police issued Palumbo three citations for impaired operation, two for negligent operation, one for excessive speed, and another for failing to obey navigational rules.

He is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.