Police: Cleveland Councilman Zack Reed arrested, charged with DUI after traffic stop

CLEVELAND - Cleveland Councilman Zack Reed was arrested and charged with driving under the influence Tuesday morning, police say.

Cleveland police said the Ward 2 councilman was stopped at East 9th and Rockwell at about 2:30 a.m.

The councilman reportedly failed to stop at a red light and made an improper turn. After failing a field sobriety test, Councilman Reed was taken to jail where he awaits charges.

Reed has been charged on four counts: DUI,  ambiguous/non-working signal, turning at intersections and signal and change course/turn/stop.

It's not Reed's first run-in with the law. In 2008, the councilman served a 10-day sentence for his second drunken driving conviction in two years.

The 52-year-old has been a member of council for 13 years.

Cleveland City Council President Martin J. Sweeney issued the following statement:

Councilman Zack Reed was arrested on suspicion of DUI during the early morning hours of March 5. It is his third arrest since 2005. 

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.

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.

Reed is due in court Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

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