Crime & Safety

Ocean City Councilman Pleads Guilty to DWI

Scott Ping will lose his license for seven months.

Councilman Scott Ping pleaded guilty to driving under the influence on Friday morning (June 14) in an appearance at Egg Harbor Township Municipal Court.

Judge H. Robert Switzer suspended Ping's driver's license for seven months, issued more than $500 in fines and required him to spend 12 hours at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center.

Because Ping's blood-alcohol content measured .156 in a blood sample, Ping will be required to install and use an ignition interlock device for six months after his license is returned. The device requires a driver to pass a blood-alcohol test before starting a car.

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Charges of reckless driving and unsafe lane change were dismissed. 

"Today, I pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated," Ping said in a written statement on Friday. "I am by no means perfect, and I take full responsibility for my poor judgment of drinking and driving. I apologize for the embarrassment I caused my family, friends and business associates. I hope that those whom I have let down will forgive my regrettable actions in this matter. Over the last several months and with the help of friends, counseling and family, I am moving in a positive direction."

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Ping was charged with driving under the influence after a single-car crash shortly before midnight March 15 on Ocean Drive between Longport and Ocean City.

Ping was injured in the crash and continues to wear a neck brace.

Ping's prior driving record is clean, according to New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission spokesman Mike Horan. He has no prior DWI offenses and just one minor infraction that occurred more than 12 years ago.

Ping, 64, was heading to Ocean City in his 2012 Chevrolet Camaro when the left the road and struck a guardrail, according to Egg Harbor Township police. The car scraped the length of the guardrail and came to rest disabled in the marsh, police said.   

Ping suffered was transported to Shore Medical Center by EMS with injuries after the crash.

New Jersey statutes do not require forfeiture of public office for DWI convictions.


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