Ex-California police chief is charged with misdemeanor drunken driving after crashing city car

Ex-Calif. police chief charged with DUI

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — A former police chief in California has been charged with drunken driving after leaving a club and crashing his city-owned car.

The Riverside County district attorney’s office charged Russell Leach on Monday with misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He could face up to six months in jail in convicted.

The 62-year-old Leach, former police chief in the city of Riverside, crashed a Chrysler into a fire hydrant on Feb. 8. Two tires were missing when police stopped him three miles from the collision site.

Leach previously said he was disoriented from taking pain medication. He resigned last month for medical reasons.

Prosecutors say California Highway Patrol investigators determined Leach had taken prescription drugs and had at least 11 drinks before the crash.

Leach couldn’t immediately be reached Monday for further comment.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — A former police chief in California has been charged with drunken driving after leaving a club and crashing his city-owned car.

The Riverside County district attorney’s office charged Russell Leach on Monday with misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He could face up to a year in jail in convicted.

The 62-year-old Leach, former police chief in the city of Riverside, crashed a Chrysler into a fire hydrant on Feb. 8. Two tires were missing when police stopped him three miles from the collision site.

Leach previously said he was disoriented from taking pain medication. He resigned last month for medical reasons.

Prosecutors say California Highway Patrol investigators determined Leach had taken prescription drugs and had at least 11 drinks before the crash.

Leach couldn’t immediately be reached Monday for further comment.