Former Baltimore radio DJ "Stash" has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in an Abingdon accident that injured five people. He was sentenced to six months in the Harford County Detention Center on Monday, Explore Harford reports.
Stephen G. Smith, 48, of the 1600 block of Junius Court in Bel Air, was arrested on July 22. The 98 Rock radio personallity was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent driving, and other traffic-related charges.
Around 9 p.m. on July 22, Smith was driving a 2006 Nissan Quest northbound on MD Route 24 at a high speed when he crashed into the back of a 2011 Hyundai that was stopped at a red light, according to state police. The Hyundai was driven by 34-year-old Heather Manto of Bel Air, according to Maryland State Police.
The force of the crash pushed the Hyundai into a 2009 Nissan that also was stopped at the light, police say.
The Nissan Quest continued 300 additional feet before coming to a stop near the guardrail.
Investigating troopers said Smith was demonstrating signs of being under the influence and arrested him, according to state police.
Manto and her four passengers, Todd Fisher, 30, of York, PA; Joshua Stavrakoglou, 28, of Baltimore; Joshua Cowan, 32, of Baltimore; and Harvey Dail, 29, of Abingdon; were taken by ambulance to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air for treatment. They were later released.
Clinton Cottrell Sr., 48, of Bel Air, was driving the 2009 Nissan SUV. Neither he nor his passenger, Katherine Cottrell, 47, of Bel Air, were transported for medical treatment, according to police.
Smith was taken to the Bel Air Barrack for processing then released, Lt. Chuck Moore, commander of the barrack, told Patch.
Explore Harford reported that Smith's original one-year sentence was reduced by District Court Judge Susan Hazlett after Smith participated in a 28-day alcohol treatment program.
Turns out there is someone else with my exact same name and he's not been the best driver either.
Annie: I drink between 4-8 beers every week (total). I'm doing jusssst fine, thanks. Alcohol is fine - in fact it's HEALTHY in moderation. Science has proved this repeatedly. I quote Ben Franklin "Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine, a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy." I also believe moderate cannabis usage is perfectly safe as well (although I've never partaken in it, and have no real interest in doing so, even if it became legal). You could make the same arguement towards gambling. For every person that turns into a degenerate, there are ten who keep proper perspective and participate properly. Gambling is as old as time itself. Bottom line is, as an individual you need to know who you are, be honest about where your good sense limits are as they apply to these vices. When you, as a grown adult, make bad judgments, bad things can happen and you're responsible for them.
What it meant to me is that I had to be aware of the genetic inclination for it to happen, and mentally keep it in check. Of course I was your classic fraternity drunk in college, living on campus and all. I drank plenty (and ate) after hockey games all throughout my 20's before I had to stop playing a few years ago for health reasons. Actually, I think what it really is, is that once I had my son, hangovers were both irresponsible and unfair to the little guy. Like Sully said, I'm more of a microbrew drinker these days. Two of them and I've got all the buzz I want 95% of the time. About once every 4 months or so an opportunity comes up to get pretty blasted (wedding, small party, etc) and I usually do that. Just enough to remind me it's fun once or twice a year, but that's about it. In the end, I absolutely understand where you are Annie, just be mindful that not everyone is in the same place as you. People like Stash sadly don't seem to get it, it's a failing on his part - not drinking itself. I sincerely hope that he can get his life together, before it's too late.