SALINAS — Monterey County District 1 Supervisor Luis Alejo, who represents most of the City of Salinas, was arrested last Friday on drunken driving charges.
According to California Highway Patrol Officer Jessica Madueño, officers on patrol in Prunedale observed a 2011 Ford Escape on San Miguel Canyon Road that showed signs of impaired driving just before midnight on May 28.
A CHP officer stopped the vehicle at San Miguel Canyon Road and Strong Circle, and noticed that the driver, Alejo, showed “signs and symptoms of impairment consistent with DUI,” Madueño said.
Alejo was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. He was cited with a promise to appear in court, and was released to a sober family member.
Madueño says that CHP policy allows the agency to cite and release misdemeanor DUI suspects.
“It is important to note that individuals cited and released pursuant to the above policy must still face criminal justice proceedings for the offense,” Madueño said.
Alejo served on the Watsonville City Council from 2008 to 2010 and was mayor during his last year. He then was the 28th District State Assemblyman from 2010 to 2016, and has held the Monterey County Board of Supervisors District 1 seat since he was elected in 2016.
Alejo made an apology in a statement via text.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said. “I made a poor decision that I truly regret and will never make again. I sincerely apologize to my constituents and the people of Monterey County.”
