Redskins' Westbrook charged with DUI in Charles County

Washington Redskins cornerback Byron Westbrook was arrested on a drunk driving charge early Friday after a Charles County sheriff's deputy saw him driving erratically on a state highway in Waldorf, the sheriff's department said.

Westbrook, 25, who lives in Herndon, was driving a gray Mercedes on Route 5 near Lakewood Place shortly before 2 a.m. when the deputy saw the car "cross the lane marker several times," said Diane Richardson, a department spokeswoman.

After stopping Westbrook, who was alone, the deputy "detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage" in the vehicle, Richardson said.

She said Westbrook failed “several field sobriety tests” and declined to take a breath test. After being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired, negligent driving and failing to stay on the right side of the road, he was released to await a court appearance, Richardson said. His arrest was first reported on the Web site of WRC-TV (Channel 4).

Westbrook, a Maryland native who played football at DeMatha High School and Salisbury State University, joined the Redskins practice squad as an undrafted free agent in 2007 and got his first playing time with the team last season. He is a brother of star running back Brian Westbrook of the Philadelphia Eagles.

The most serious charge he faces, driving under the influence of alcohol, is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, in addition to a six-month driver’s license suspension. Under Maryland law, a motorist with a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent or higher is considered to be driving under the influence.

-- Paul Duggan