Police arrest state representative for DUI

ATLANTA,None — Channel 2 Action News has learned police arrested Rep. Kip Smith, R- Columbus, for DUI after he left a Buckhead Restaurant.

Police arrested Smith Thursday night after an officer got behind his car and noticed Smith ran a red light.

The officer said when he walked up to Smith's car he could smell the odor of alcohol coming from the car and then started asking Smith some questions.

Smith told the officer he was at Hal's restaurant where he has a single beer and it had been 45 minutes since he had the last drink.

The officer said Smith first refused to take a breathalyzer test, but once it was explained to him that he would be arrested he started the sobriety test, which he had trouble completing.

The officer then arrested Smith, and said on the ride to the city jail Smith told him that what happened was his fault and he'd been incredibly irresponsible.

The officer noted in his report that he took the lawmaker home so he could make his official duties on Friday.

The report states Smith blew a .100 and .099 on the breathalyzer, which is above the legal limit of .08.

Channel 2 Action News has received a statement from House Speaker David Ralston's office saying, "This is the first the Speaker has heard of this deeply troubling situation involving Rep. Kip Smith. DUI is a very serious charge. The Speaker will look into the matter and gather the facts before offering any further comment on this situation."

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WSBTV