Randy Babbitt, head of FAA, charged with drunk driving

Randy Babbitt, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration, was charged with drunk driving and arrested after he was seen heading down the wrong side of Old Lee Highway in Fairfax, Virginia, the Washington Post reported. Babbitt, 65, was alone in his vehicle, and was not involved in any accident. He was released on his own recognizance, according to Fairfax police.

Babbitt is currently on administrative leave, which he requested. 

Deputy FAA Administrator Michael Huerta will take command of the agency, according to a statement from the Department of Transportation. DOT officials are in discussions regarding Babbitt's employment status. 

Randy Babbitt was sworn in as the FAA's 16th administrator in June of 2009. He began his career as a pilot for Eastern Airlines, where he flew for 25 years, according to his official biography. He has been a member of the agency since 2001. 

U.S. Department of Transportation spokeswoman Sasha J. Johnson said the agency planned to release a fuller statement later today, The Washington Post reported. Babbitt is set to appear in court on February 2.