Such action would require approval of two thirds of council, which means 13 out of the 19 council votes.

By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter

For the third time since 2005, City of Cleveland Ward 2 Councilman Zack Reed was arrested for driving drunk. Early Tuesday morning at approximately 2:30 am, Cleveland Division of Police Downtown Services Unit officers arrested Reed for OVI.

OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence) is the same as a DUI (driving under the influence) in other states. A traffic stop was initiated at the intersection ofEast 9th StreetandRockwell Avenueafter the councilman reportedly failed to stop at a red light and made an improper turn.

After failing a field sobriety test, Councilman Reed was conveyed to the Central Prison Unit where he was booked until released Tuesday afternoon after posting bond.Reed is due in court today.

Reed was charged with four driving offenses, including OVI, non-working light, turning position, and change of course. Reed was released from jail at around 12:45 p.m., after posting $295 of a $2,500 bond. He left theJusticeCenterwith his attorney, Anthony Jordan.

Reed was sentenced to probation for the first arrest and his license was suspended. Reed served ten days in jail for the second arrest.

“Cleveland City Council takes this matter very seriously and, once we understand all the facts and circumstances of this particular situation, council will address and deal with this issue.” said Council President Martin J. Sweeney.

Councilman Reed and all members of city council are expected to abide by the laws of the state, the city, and the specific rules of city council. Council members must remain members in good standing and be able to perform their duties as members of city council.

While this is a personal matter for Mr. Reed and his family and friends, he is also an elected member of city council and must be able to carry out his duties for the residents of Ward 2. I do hope Councilman Reed can overcome his personal issues and wish him all my support in this endeavor,” he continued.

Reed served a 10-day sentence in 2008 on his second OVI conviction. The 52-year-old Reed has served on the council for 13 years.

Sweeney went on to say, “Council will investigate the facts and decide what action is appropriate. Under a council rule, it has the power to punish or expel any member for disorderly conduct or violation of its rules.”

Such action would require approval of two thirds of council, which means 13 out of the 19 council votes.

In 2008, Reed had to pay $500 in fines and had his license suspended for a year. Reed also completed a 28-day treatment program at the Cleveland Clinic.

Many calls have come in to the news desk asking what happen to the device put on his car to detect alcohol. This machine was installed after his last conviction to help prevent him from driving it if alcohol was detected on his breath.

Ohio DUI law makes it a crime to operate a motor vehicle while having any amount of alcohol and/or drugs that impairs physical or mental abilities to an appreciable degree. Ohio DUI law is similar to other states in that, when arrested for DUI (or OVI), you are charged with the drunk driving offense along with the per se law which makes it illegal to drive with a BAC (blood alcohol level) of .08 percent or greater.