Councilwoman Cleta Winslow Arrested on DUI Charges

Longtime Councilwoman, Cleta Winslow, representing District 4 was arrested around 11 p.m. Tuesday evening after she was observed committing traffic violations.

According to APD Public Affairs, "On 5/7/13 at approximately 11:14 p. m., an Atlanta Police officer patrolling the area of Oglethorpe Ave. SW and Peeples St. SW., noticed a gray Honda Accord commit multiple traffic violations. The officer activated his blue lights to get the vehicle stopped."

An Atlanta Police spokesperson said that Winslow admitted to having a few drinks, but decided to refuse to take the breathalyzer test:

The Atlanta Police DUI Task Force was requested to respond to the location. Officer P. Meegan arrived on the scene and began to talk the driver (Cleta M. Winslow). Ms. Winslow admitted to having a few drinks, but refused to do any Field Sobriety test.

Officer Kim Jones told Cascade Patch, "Officer Meegan placed Ms. Winslow under arrest for DUI Less Safe and refusing the state administered breath test under implied consent."

Ms. Winslow was charged with Driving on wrong side of road, DUI Alcohol less safe, Failure to stop for stop sign,Reckless Driving and Red Light Violation.

The councilwoman's Atlanta City Council website has not mentioned the charges as yet.  In the past, Cleta Winslow has garnered praise for her efforts to revitalize the historic neighborhoods that comprise District 4.  She has been a leader within the West End community for years, and has helped lead the revitalization of the community.

CBS Atlanta quoted Mayor Kasim Reed as saying, "I'm going to withhold judgement.  I'm glad that no one was hurt and that she's safe."

City Council President, Ceasar Mitchell released the following statement.

I am aware that Councilwoman Cleta Winslow was arrested by Atlanta Police on suspicion of DUI on the evening of May 7.  This is a personal matter for Councilwoman Winslow, and the most prudent thing to do at this time is to allow the judicial process to take its proper course. My thoughts and prayers are with the Councilwoman and her family. – City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell

Cleta Winslow is up for re-election this year and so far has one competitor.  Torry Lewis of southwest Atlanta released the following statement to CBS Atlanta, as well.

"I am deeply disappointed in our current councilwoman and her actions, but this further echoes the need for new leadership. Overall, this will not distract the campaign from our message; the people in my district need someone who is able to focus on our needs of infrastructure, improve the safety of our neighborhoods, and bring jobs and businesses to our community."

Lewis goes further in saying that, "a councilperson must be able to make sound judgments for the community's sake and that starts with making good personal judgments."

Do you think this DUI will keep Ms. Winslow from serving another term, tell us your thoughts in the comments section.