Tacoma Councilman Ryan Mello Suspected of DUI

Washington State Patrol arrested Tacoma City Councilman Ryan Mello for driving under the influence of alcohol on Sunday morning. Councilman Mello’s 2012 Hyundai Sonata crossed onto the shoulder of the road twice before he was stopped by a trooper. Officials reported that there were three passengers in Mello’s car at the time.

According to the State Patrol’s police report, Mello was “polite and cooperative” with the officer, and he voluntarily submitted to field sobriety tests. The trooper reported that he could smell alcohol on Mello’s breath. The councilman admitted to drinking alcohol earlier in the day, and he was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Mello was taken to the Tacoma Police Department for processing, and patrol spokesman Guy Gill confirmed that Mello’s blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeded the legal limit.

Mello’s car was impounded and another trooper gave two of Mello’s passengers a ride home, while the third passenger rode with the tow truck driver. Mello was released from the police department and was picked up by a friend.

According to an update of the story, Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist has forwarded the case to a prosecutor in another county for a charging decision because he said he and Mello are friends which presents a conflict of interest.

Mello is the executive director of the Pierce Conservation District and is beginning his second year on the Tacoma City Council.

If you have been arrested for driving drunk, contact an experienced and skilled Washington DUI attorney for legal assistance.