New details emerge in DUI arrest of Westminster councilman

The day after Westminster City Councilman Andy Quach was arrested on suspicion of drunkdriving after he crashed his Mercedes-Benz into a pole — knocking out power to more than 300 homes — further investigation revealed that Quach’s car and another vehicle had collided just moments before, Westminster police said.

Quach was driving east on McFadden Avenue just after midnight Sunday when he hit another car that was also traveling east, said Sgt. Dan Schoonmaker. The vehicle received minor damage. Paramedics evaluated the three occupants and determined they did not need further medical attention.

Seconds after that accident, Quach’s black S550 Mercedes-Benz hit a power pole in the 8800 block of McFadden Avenue. No one was injured in that crash either, but several hundred of Quach’s constituents were without power until 1 p.m. Sunday.

Quach, 37, said he was on his way home after hanging out with friends when he nodded off.

“Whatever financial, legal and political implications there are, I take full responsibility,” said Quach, who has served seven years on the Westminster City Council. “I am so thankful that no one was hurt. It’s something that I can never rewind and undo.”

Quach said that he did not believe the incident reflected on his abilities as a councilman. “I just feel bad that constituents look up to me, and this whole incident is a horrible accident and I let them down,” he said.

Other council members agreed. Councilman Frank Fry said he hasn’t heard any reaction from Westminster residents. “It was a mistake on his part and I know he regrets it very deeply,” he said.

Quach did a blood test after the collision and Westminster police are awaiting results, Schoonmaker said.

-- My-Thuan Tran

Comments

[larry reina]

This guy should resign. If DUI test comes positive, then he
shouldn't be a councilman. At least my vote is not going
for him

[583]

And this guy thought he would not need the reeducation?
Shame on him! Recall that junky!

[ladygolfer]

Well let's see a councilman who is possibly dui does not want to take field sobriety test but opts for a blood test. He crashes into a light pole knocking out power for 12 hrs. Probably will only get a suspended sentence and light weight community service.

If an ordinary citizen did that, he would put in lockup, have his/her license suspended and car impounded lose their job and have to pay a heavy fine

Such is the state of justice today

[Art Pedroza]

Andy should resign if he was drunk. He is lucky he did not kill anyone. This is shameful behavior for a Councilman.