DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Swatara Township Police have confirmed that they gave Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick III a ride home in the early morning hours of February 16 after an officer determined that he appeared to be intoxicated while at a convenience store within the township.
As a result, Hartwick was not charged with any offense.
Swatara Township Police Public Safety Officer Darrell Reider confirmed the ride to FOX43, after explaining it to PennLive via the email below:
“Our officer determined that Mr. Hartwick was intoxicated inside a convenience store, and he was not causing any annoyance or alarm to anyone,” Reider wrote. “The officer requested permission from his supervisor to give Mr. Hartwick a ride home to his residence inside the township rather than to allow him to drive.”
Hartwick issued a statement to FOX43 on Thursday:
"Unfortunately, my ex-wife and a political enemy are using this in their latest attempt to smear my name. I will no longer address personal attacks from someone willing to put our children in the middle during a custody battle. People see this for what it is -- a sad attempt at character assassination, and I will play no part in it.''
Hartwick was elected to his fifth term as county commissioner last fall.
