Log in to WRAL.com with one click using your favorite social network:
OR
Log in using your WRAL.com account:



Wrong email/password combination.

Forgot password?

Register with WRAL.com using your favorite social network:
OR
Register for a WRAL.com account using our web form.

5:08 a.m. • 5-25-13

Weather Forecast for Raleigh

  • Today: Partly Cloudy.
    • Hi: 72° F
  • Sun: Partly Cloudy.
    • Hi: 75° F
  • Mon: Partly Cloudy.
    • Hi: 80° F

Other Locations

> 7 Day Forecast

Doppler Image

Published: 2011-06-21 20:44:00
Updated: 2011-06-22 18:08:33

Posted: June 21, 2011
Updated: June 22, 2011

Prosecutor in Zahra Baker case charged with DWI

Zahra Claire Baker, 10

[search] Site Search

Zahra Claire Baker, 10
print friendly

SUNSET BEACH, N.C. — The lead prosecutor in the Zahra Baker murder case has been arrested and charged with driving while impaired on the North Carolina coast.

The Hickory Daily Record and The Charlotte Observer report that police in Sunset Beach arrested Catawba County lead prosecutor Eric Bellas early Tuesday morning for driving while impaired.

An official says Bellas taken to the Brunswick County jail around 2 a.m. and released nearly six hours later.

A source close to Bellas to the Charlotte Observer it was a bicycle incident.

The N.C. District Attorneys' Summer Association Meeting is being held at a conference center in Sunset Beach.

A message left on an answering machine seeking comment from Bellas wasn't returned Tuesday night.

Bellas is the primary prosecutor in the disappearance and death of 10-year-old Zahra Baker. The girl's stepmother, 43-year-old Elisa Baker, is charged with second-degree murder in Zahra's death.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

47 Comments


WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

View Comments VIEW ALL 47 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Latest Comments
Dear deutschgirl89, First, I NEVER condemned anyone for drinking. My problem is in being drunk around other people that can lead to a number of problems and issues for the individual and the people they are around. There is a huge difference between having a drink and being drunk.

Plus, as far as your personal attack on my social life, which is typical of liberals to just personally attack rather than state a case, I have a great social life thank you. One that involves people who don't believe you have to be drunk to "have fun." If that is the only way you can socialize, then I sincerely feel sorry for you.
ncpilot2
June 22, 2011 3:53 p.m.
He's lucky he didn't weave into traffic, causing a law-abiding car driver to have to swerve to avoid killing him, leading to a fatal collision. DWI laws, like traffic laws, pertain to bikes for a reason. Throw the book at him.
misterprecedent
June 22, 2011 3:48 p.m.
It's OK. He knows the DA in town.
TheDude abides...
June 22, 2011 3:12 p.m.
"ncpilot2 -- Just like anything in life, people can choose to abuse substances, children, themselves, or act irresponsibly. Yet, there are millions who DO NOT abuse any of those things and DO act responsibly. Having some wine or a beer with friends while you cook out or want to tailgate in a group setting is not ridiculous, nor is it ridiculous to enjoy a drink on your own terms."

The argument was being drunk in public, not enjoying a drink or two. You changed your argument. Fail.
Common Sense Man
June 22, 2011 3:08 p.m.
he'll sue the pole for aggravated assault
Click to view my profile Shelley Cooper
June 22, 2011 2:56 p.m.
View Comments VIEW ALL 47 COMMENTS

Multimedia Spotlight

more