Security video proves man not guilty of DUI

GAITHERSBURG, Md. - Last May, Montgomery County Police Officer Dina Hoffman responded to call about a man passed out in the back seat of a car and arrested 56-year-old George Zaliev of Rockville, who was then charged with drunk driving.

The case took nearly a year to get to court, but fell apart in minutes when Zaliev's attorney revealed store security videotape contradicted Officer Hoffman's statement.

"[Officer Hoffman's testimony] was that when she arrived on scene, he was in the front seat of the vehicle with the engine running," says Zaliev's attorney Paul Mack.

Mack says that's not what happened, and showed the judge presiding over the case a video that proved his argument.

"He's in the rear passenger seat the whole time," says Mack.

After seeing the tape, the judge told prosecutors they no longer had a case against Zaliev, and the officer in the case may face perjury charges.

"We want to assure the community that will conduct a very thorough and unbiased investigation," says Montgomery County Police spokesperson Lucille Baur.

It is not against the law to be drunk in a car, as long as you are not operating it.

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