Baldwin County Commissioner arrested for DUI

Baldwin County Commissioner Chris Elliott, 35, was arrested by Fairhope police for driving under the influence of alcohol early Saturday morning.

Baldwin County Commissioner Chris Elliott’s booking photo, provided by Fairhope Police Department, following his May 14 arrest for DUI in Fairhope.

Elliott released a statement on Monday morning addressing the arrest:

“After leaving the Fairhope Rotary Steak Cook-off on Friday evening, I inadvertently ran a flashing red traffic light near the event in downtown Fairhope. I was quickly stopped by Fairhope police and issued a citation for running a flashing red signal. Since alcohol was served at the event, I was also questioned about drinking while at the Steak Cook-off. On the advice of counsel, I declined the breathalyzer requested which automatically resulted in the issuance of a citation for driving under the influence of alcohol.

“There are consequences for my decisions and I will face these consequences. I apologize for my actions and regret any embarrassment that this may cause the County that I serve, the law enforcement officers that keep us safe and my family that I love dearly. Since this is an ongoing personal legal matter, this will be the extent of my comments on the subject.”

Fairhope Police also confirmed the arrest. According to a statement from the department, Elliott, 35, was arrested at 12:04 a.m. on Saturday and charged with DUI. The arrest occurred near the intersection of Fairhope Avenue at Fairwood Boulevard. According to the arrest report, Elliott faces a July 6 court date for the charge.

Elliott represents District 2 on the commission, which covers Fairhope, Daphne and Spanish Fort and Belforest, Historic Marlow, Fish River, Barnwell, Battles Wharf, Point Clear and Montrose communities. He confirmed the arrest in a text message to Lagniappe on Monday.