Post by News on Jul 24, 2004 10:45:17 GMT -8
Azusa councilman cited for DUI
Stanford took sleeping pill prior to car crash
By Ruby Gonzales , Staff Writer
AZUSA -- Azusa Councilman thingy Stanford was cited earlier this week for driving under the influence after he took a pain pill and a sleeping pill and crashed into a parked truck. Stanford, who is also the board president of the Foothill Transit Executive Board, read a statement at the board's Friday meeting.
Stanford said he is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober since May 13, 1976.
"I really feel sheepish and embarrassed and ashamed,' he said. "If you do it, you do the punishment. ... I just thank God nobody was hurt.'
Stanford and Azusa police said the councilman wasn't given special treatment.
No one was injured during the Monday afternoon crash in the 1100 block of East Alosta Avenue, west of Barranca Avenue.
The Lexus sport utility vehicle he was driving sustained major damage to the right side while the truck he hit sustained minor damage to the left rear, according to Azusa Lt. Jeff Reed.
The SUV was traveling west on Alosta Avenue when it veered to the right and struck the parked truck, Reed said.
"He was lethargic and appeared to be sleepy,' Reed said.
Stanford had an appointment for a root canal that day. His dentist prescribed Halcion, which is a sleeping pill that if given in a small dose relieves tension. He was told to take the Halcion an hour before the appointment.
He said he also took a painkiller , either Vicodin or Tylenol 3, because of shoulder pain. He underwent surgery on the shoulder a couple of years ago.
Stanford went to Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora to give a blood sample. He was taken to the station for further investigation then cited for DUI, Reed said.
He is scheduled to report to court Oct. 1.
Diamond Bar Councilman Bob Huff, who is also a Foothill Transit executive board member, said knowing Stanford's character, it was an honest mistake.
"From what it read, what do you say?,' Huff said, adding that the police did their job.
In a statement, Stanford apologized.
"It does not matter that the impairment was caused by a stupid blunder on my part involving prescribed medications, instead of by drinking alcoholic beverages or smoking marijuana. I am sure the court will levy some type of appropriate penalty. I will meet the requirements of that penalty fully to ensure my debt to the citizens is fully paid,' he said.
-- Ruby Gonzales can be reached at (626) 962-8811, Ext. 2718, or by e-mail at ruby.gonzales@sgvn.com .
Stanford took sleeping pill prior to car crash
By Ruby Gonzales , Staff Writer
AZUSA -- Azusa Councilman thingy Stanford was cited earlier this week for driving under the influence after he took a pain pill and a sleeping pill and crashed into a parked truck. Stanford, who is also the board president of the Foothill Transit Executive Board, read a statement at the board's Friday meeting.
Stanford said he is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober since May 13, 1976.
"I really feel sheepish and embarrassed and ashamed,' he said. "If you do it, you do the punishment. ... I just thank God nobody was hurt.'
Stanford and Azusa police said the councilman wasn't given special treatment.
No one was injured during the Monday afternoon crash in the 1100 block of East Alosta Avenue, west of Barranca Avenue.
The Lexus sport utility vehicle he was driving sustained major damage to the right side while the truck he hit sustained minor damage to the left rear, according to Azusa Lt. Jeff Reed.
The SUV was traveling west on Alosta Avenue when it veered to the right and struck the parked truck, Reed said.
"He was lethargic and appeared to be sleepy,' Reed said.
Stanford had an appointment for a root canal that day. His dentist prescribed Halcion, which is a sleeping pill that if given in a small dose relieves tension. He was told to take the Halcion an hour before the appointment.
He said he also took a painkiller , either Vicodin or Tylenol 3, because of shoulder pain. He underwent surgery on the shoulder a couple of years ago.
Stanford went to Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora to give a blood sample. He was taken to the station for further investigation then cited for DUI, Reed said.
He is scheduled to report to court Oct. 1.
Diamond Bar Councilman Bob Huff, who is also a Foothill Transit executive board member, said knowing Stanford's character, it was an honest mistake.
"From what it read, what do you say?,' Huff said, adding that the police did their job.
In a statement, Stanford apologized.
"It does not matter that the impairment was caused by a stupid blunder on my part involving prescribed medications, instead of by drinking alcoholic beverages or smoking marijuana. I am sure the court will levy some type of appropriate penalty. I will meet the requirements of that penalty fully to ensure my debt to the citizens is fully paid,' he said.
-- Ruby Gonzales can be reached at (626) 962-8811, Ext. 2718, or by e-mail at ruby.gonzales@sgvn.com .