Former Sen. District 42 candidate charged with DUI

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - A former candidate for the Senate District 42 seat was arrested early Saturday morning and charged with driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test and refusing a breathalyzer test, according to an incident report.

Herbert S. Fielding, 60, was charged with DUI first offense and is being held at the Charleston County Detention Center. His bond was set at $997.

Charleston County sheriff's deputies say Fielding was spotted driving below the speed limit across the Cosgrove Bridge around 3:39 a.m. While the posted speed limit was 50 mph, Fielding's Infinity sedan was traveling at approximately 40 mph, according to deputies.

After pulling the suspect over, deputies said Fielding smelled of alcohol and had trouble answering questions.

According to the incident report, Fielding stared at the responding officer and shook his head no when asked how much alcohol he had to drink.

Fielding then participated in a field sobriety test.

The report states Fielding had to grab hold of his car for balance, had trouble following the officer's pen with his eyes, and was not able to do a walk and turn exercise.

When asked if Fielding thought he should have been driving, deputies said he responded, "I could have made it home."

Fielding refused a breathalyzer test, officers said.

He was one of six candidates who ran last month for the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat once held by longtime state Senator Robert Ford.

Marlon Kimpson won the Democratic nomination after a runoff with Maurice Washington. Kimpson will face Republican Billy Shuman and Libertarian Alex Thornton in a special election on Oct. 1.

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