CSU RamRide Driver Admits To Smoking Pot

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4)- A freshman at Colorado State University who volunteered with the free student ride home program admits to smoking pot after he was pulled over by campus police.

Karl La Borde has been charged with speeding, DUI, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

"Honestly I'm so ashamed at myself for what has happened," said La Borde. "I was impaired to drive and it was the wrong move to make."

The CSU freshman admits he was going slightly over the speed limit and had been smoking pot but had not been drinking when CSU police pulled him and another volunteer over early Friday morning on College Ave.

"He said that he smelled marijuana in the car," said La Borde.

All RamRide drivers sign a pledge to avoid drugs and alcohol.

Regina Martel oversees the RamRide program. She said since 2003 the program has given 177,000 students safe rides home without any problems.

"The actions of one individual are really reflecting on that individual not the program," said Martel.

The RamRide program has an extensive background check for drivers including two forms of ID and a clean police record.

La Borde, 19, said he's kicked his pot habit for good.

"I'm thankful that I was allowed to experience this because now I know that my future and my life isn't worth just getting high," said La Borde.

La Borde said he's a changed man and although he will no longer drive for RamRide he does offer an apology, "I am extremely sorry. I made a mistake. I had a habit that I thought I was in control of."

La Borde is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 22.