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Birmingham city councilman apologizes after DUI arrest in city vehicle: ‘I am proud to … take responsibility’

A Birmingham City Councilman arrested for DUI in a city vehicle in south Alabama over the weekend apologized Tuesday during the council’s regular meeting.

Councilman J.T. Moore, who is the chair of the Community Development Committee and a member of the Public Safety Committee, was taken into custody on the side of Interstate 65 in Sunday’s predawn hours. He was in a city vehicle at the time.

“One of my favorite books is ‘As a Man Thinketh’ and there’s a quote in the book that says ‘circumstances do not make the man but they reveal him to himself,’’’ Moore said.

“Although I am not proud of the incident that took place this past weekend, I am proud to say I have shown up today to take responsibility and accountability for my actions.”

“I want to say to my colleagues on the council, my family, District 4 and the City of Birmingham, I truly do apologize and pray for your forgiveness in the matter‚‘’ Moore said.

It was not clear as of Tuesday why Moore was in Creola. City council members cannot drive city vehicles under a 1967 state law.

Councilman Clinton Woods showed support for Moore before the meeting ended.

“I did want to say to my colleague I know it took a lot to show up this morning,’’ Woods said.

“At the end of the day, our mistakes and failures are not the end in the road. It’s a bend in the road and I know you’ll do the work to go forward.”

Creola police Chief Shane Stringer said police received a call at 3:55 a.m. Sunday of a possible intoxicated driver on I-65 near the 20 mile marker. When officers arrived, they found a black Chevrolet Tahoe with a blue municipal tag pulled off to the side of the interstate.

Stringer said the driver – later identified as Moore – was passed out.

The officers, the chief said, “beat on the window attempting to get his attention.”

“He eventually came to, and they had to open the door,’’ Stringer said. “They could immediately smell alcohol.”

Officers started to talk to Moore, and he admitted to the officers that he had been drinking. Since Moore admitted to drinking, the chief said, officers for safety reasons did not administer a field sobriety test since they were on the interstate.

Moore was taken to the Saraland Police Department, where he was given a breathalyzer test and a field sobriety test.

“He failed all of the above,’’ Stringer said.

Moore was then booked into the Mobile Metro County Jail. He was released at 12:58 p.m. Sunday.

The vehicle was found to be registered to the City of Birmingham. It was towed from the interstate.

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