Former Newport Beach city attorney arrested for DUI
Former Newport Beach City Attorney David Hunt, who remains under contract to provide legal counsel to the city, was arrested in Newport Beach on suspicion of drunk driving Friday night after he hit a parked car, police confirmed Monday.
Hunt, 53, of Santa Ana allegedly hit the car in a parking lot at the west end of Ford Road near Mesa View at about 7:30 p.m., according to police.
Hunt was not injured, said police spokeswoman Kathy Lowe, adding that he did damage the car.
Police declined to release Hunt’s blood-alcohol level or booking photo.
Friday’s arrest is Hunt’s second in two years. In March 2010, he was arrested by Santa Ana police on suspicion of domestic violence after an altercation he had at home with his wife and son. No charges were filed, however, and Hunt retained his job as Newport’s city attorney.
Hunt left City Hall on Sept. 6, amid concerns over his office’s escalating budget. The City Council last week signed a contract in a 6-1 vote to work with Hunt’s new employer, Irvine-based Friedman Stroffe & Gerard.
He was arrested about a five-minute drive away from his office.
Hunt declined to comment on his arrest Monday.
No charges have been filed in the case as of Monday, court records show.
Police said Hunt was given a field sobriety test at the scene of the crash then arrested. He was released on his own recognizance at 2:10 a.m. Saturday.
Twitter: @JosephSerna