This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Murrieta Mayor Alan Long resigns after DUI arrest
Murrieta Mayor Alan Long was arrested and booked Thursday night on suspicion of DUI causing bodily injury after his truck crashed into a passenger vehicle, leaving four local high school students with "moderate to major" injuries, according to police.
(
Murrieta Police Department
)
At a press conference Monday afternoon, Alan Long announced he was stepping down as Mayor of Murrieta in Riverside County.
Long, 44, was arrested last Thursday on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, after his car slammed into the back of vehicle carrying four Murrieta Valley High School students who had been attending a pep rally.
Long passed a breathalyzer test with a blood-alcohol level of .07, below the legal limit of .08, but failed a field sobriety test.
According to NBC4 LA, Long expressed "concern" over the four teens at Monday's press conference. "I am well aware that being involved in such a high profile accident in my position as mayor and as a member of the City Council will be a distraction," said Long.
He was released last week on $50,000 bail. His court date was scheduled for December 11.
Back in July, Long found himself in the national spotlight when he urged citizens of Murrieta to protest the arrival of Homeland security buses carrying migrant children and families from Central America who were being transported for processing.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
