Don’t toke a ride with this taxi
Post Independent Staff
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GLENWOOD SPRINGS ” The driver of a local taxi company promoting itself as a “designated driver” found himself in the back seat of a police car Wednesday evening.
William Miller of Carbondale was driving a silver 1994 Chrysler taxicab with the words “D.D. Taxi” painted on its sides. The taxi company recently received its P.U.C. license, which allows it to operate in the area.
Police pulled the vehicle over on Grand Avenue at about 7:45 p.m. because Miller only had the cab’s parking lights on.
When Miller pulled into the Glenwood Springs Post Independent’s parking lot, police discovered there was a warrant for Miller’s arrest.
“It was a misdemeanor,” said Wilson. “He had a failure to appear on an earlier charge of possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana.”
Matters got worse for Miller when police, as they were patting him down, discovered, once again, less than 1 ounce of marijuana on the taxi driver.
Chief Wilson said there was no indication that Miller was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when he was arrested Wednesday, but he said it makes it difficult to want to refer anyone to this company.
“That’s patently wrong,” said Wilson. “Here’s a company that is named ‘D.D. Taxi’ – referring to ‘designated driver’ taxi. Having someone drive you home when you’re out partying and shouldn’t be driving is a great idea, but I’m less than confident in referring anyone to this driver under these circumstances. You want to be safe but (this arrest) punches holes in that reasoning.”
Wilson said he knows of another taxi service in the area, Valley Taxi, that also offers rides to those who don’t want to get behind the wheel after drinking. He said Michael Murrell of Valley Taxi contacted the police department a couple weeks ago to let them know of his services.
Wilson said he recommends a reputable service like Valley Taxi, but doesn’t want to recommend getting in a cab with someone who’s getting arrested for possession.
Above all, Wilson wants to make certain the public is safe ” and if it means taking a taxi ride from a responsible company, so be it.
“It sure beats the other option,” Wilson said. “A taxi fare is a whole lot less than a D.U.I. arrest ” or worse.”
Meanwhile, Miller bonded out of jail after posting $200 and is awaiting a court date on his current arrest warrant.
Contact Carrie Click: 945-8515, ext. 518
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