San Joaquin County Supervisor Suspected Of DUI After Crash Near Lathrop
LATHROP (CBS13) – A San Joaquin County Supervisor was arrested on suspicion of DUI Wednesday afternoon.
California Highway Patrol says officers responded to a crash along northbound Interstate 5 near Lathrop Road just after 4 p.m. Three cars were involved.
Officers investigating the incident found that a car, being driven by Thomas Anthony Patti, had rear-ended one car – causing the second car to rear-end another car.
Patti showed objective signs and symptoms of intoxication, officers say, and he was soon arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Patti has released a statement, taking responsibility for his actions but noting that he had no alcohol in his system. He says he believes the incident is a reaction to some prescriptions he's been taking after having major spine surgery.
"I provided a roadside alcohol test that showed I had zero alcohol in my system. I also want to make clear that illegal drugs were not involved," Patti wrote. "I would like to apologize with all my heart to my family friends and constituents. I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again."
No one was hurt in the crash, CHP says.
Patti serves as supervisor for San Joaquin County's District 3. He was elected in 2016 and his term ends in 2021.
