Springfield City Councilor Dave Ralston disputes his arrest Dave Ralston vows to fight charges that he was driving while intoxicated Sunday after leaving a bar

Eugene Register-Guard:

City Councilor Dave Ralston was arrested early Sunday morning on an intoxicated driving charge, shortly after a Springfield police officer noticed the longtime elected official’s car traveling slowly as he motored away from a local tavern, authorities said Monday.

Ralston, 57, was lodged in the Springfield Municipal Jail after his 3 a.m. arrest. He said he remained in custody until approximately noon Sunday, when his father posted bail on his behalf.

In an interview Ralston acknowledged that he made two predawn phone calls to city Police Chief Jerry Smith on Sunday — one from the location of his arrest, the other from jail — but said the conversations did not help him get out of trouble.

Ralston said Monday that he believes he was wrongfully arrested and treated poorly in jail. He vowed to fight the misdemeanor charge in court.

“I’m going to get an attorney, and I’m going to burn them on this,” Ralston said. “I wasn’t under the influence of anything.”

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