Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Thomas Newell Runs Program that Combats Drunk Driving Arrested for DUI

The man who runs Sonoma County's program that combats drunken driving has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, police said.

Thomas Newell, 53, was arrested in Santa Rosa about 3 p.m. Friday after an off-duty firefighter spotted a Mercedes-Benz driving recklessly on Bodega Highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The firefighter flagged down a Sonoma County sheriff's deputy, who pulled Newell over, the CHP said. A CHP officer responded as well and concluded that Newell was under the influence of a drug, authorities said.

Newell was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail. The results of a blood test will not be available for several weeks, said CHP Officer Jonathan Sloat.

Newell manages the county Health Services Department's programs on driving under the influence and drug treatment, according to the agency's Web site.

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