Maryland State Senator C Anthony Muse is facing scrutiny after video footage appears to show him providing a false account to police about who was driving his Land Rover when it was involved in a collision and subsequently abandoned on a sidewalk.
Muse, 68, initially told responding officers on August 6 that his driver had parked the SUV on a sidewalk against a tree, claiming he was in Annapolis for a legislative meeting and his driver had gone home. "My driver actually parked here," Muse told an officer, according to bodycam footage. "I’m actually down here for the special session. My driver parked the vehicle and left to go home."
However, new surveillance footage obtained by ABC appears to show Muse parking the vehicle himself and walking away alone. Police were called to the scene after another motorist reported her wing mirror had been struck by an SUV that initially did not stop.
Muse has since stated that the collision occurred when he moved over to allow a truck to pass, inadvertently hitting a parked vehicle's mirror. He claims he then parked hurriedly to return and apologize to the owner and provide his insurance information. "There was no place to park on Severn Avenue, so I turned the corner, hurriedly parked on the curb, rushed back to the parked vehicle, apologized to the owner, and gave my insurance info," Muse told Fox45.
Bodycam footage shows police discussing their concerns about Muse's ability to drive. A parking attendant had alerted police, noting that Muse did not appear fit to drive after entering his vehicle. The attendant reportedly obtained the keys from Muse while keeping him talking until an officer arrived.
An Annapolis police officer informed Muse that the SUV would be towed due to being parked on the sidewalk and offered him a ride to his hotel. Muse initially questioned why the vehicle would be towed before accepting the ride. He is a Democrat representing Prince George's County District 26.
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson stated, "My responsibility as Senate President is to uphold the integrity of the Senate and ensure that standards are enforced fairly and without bias." Muse has not been charged with any wrongdoing in connection with the incident. The Daily Mail reported that it had not received a response from Muse when seeking further comment.