Driver of Braemar Fuel Spill Truck Receives Probation, Fines

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James Patrick Burless, the individual who drove the tanker truck that overturned at the Safeway Gas Station in Braemar Village Plaza July 11, 2013 causing a substantial fuel leak, was sentenced Thursday in Prince William District Court.

Burless was charged with one count of reckless driving and a second count of negligent discharge of oil into water, which was categorized as a misdemeanor. His attorney, Martin Moordian, requested the count of reckless driving be amended to improper driving.

The Honorable Judge William Jarvis agreed, and imposed a $250 fine upon Burless for improper driving to be paid to the county.

For the second charge, negligent discharge of oil into water, Jarvis charged Burless $2,200 to be paid to the Prince William Fire Department. To monitor the payments, Burless is required to report to a probation officer.

“The monitoring ends once the restitution is paid,” Jarvis said.

Burless appeared in court with his left arm in a sling. He appeared twice before the judge. Upon his first appearance, he was ordered to fill out an order of restitution form and was told restitution would be supervised.

Burless only spoke during the sentencing to say that he pled guilty to both charges.

Back in mid July, the Prince William Fire Department worked throughout the night to contain the quick spilling fuel leak that was dangerously close to a Prince William County water source. The leak also posed a fire threat, and it was uncertain for a time whether residents in the area would have to vacate their homes.

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