PRUNEDALE—Former Watsonville mayor Luis Alejo, who previously served on the California Assembly and now sits on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, was arrested Friday on drunk driving charges.
According to California Highway Patrol Officer Jessica Madueño, officers on patrol in Prunedale just before midnight noticed a 2011 Ford Escape on San Miguel Canyon Road that showed signs of impaired driving.
A CHP officer stopped the vehicle at San Miguel Canyon Road and Strong Circle, and noticed that Alejo showed “signs and symptoms of impairment consistent with DUI,” Madueño said.
Alejo was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. He was cited with a promise to appear in court, and was released to a sober family member.
Madueño says that CHP policy allows the agency to cite and release misdemeanor DUI suspects.
“It is important to note that individuals cited and released pursuant to the above policy must still face criminal justice proceedings for the offense,” Madueño said.
Alejo served on the Watsonville City Council from 2008-10. He was mayor during his last year. He was the 28th District State Assemblyman from 2010-16, and has held the Monterey County Board of Supervisors 1st District seat since he was elected in 2016.
Alejo made an apology in a statement texted to this newspaper.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said. “I made a poor decision that I truly regret and will never make again. I sincerely apologize to my constituents and the people of Monterey County.”
