Westminster councilman arrested on DUI charges again

A Westminster city councilman was released from jail Tuesday after being arrested for a second time on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Councilman Andy Quach, once seen as an up-and-coming politician in Orange County, crashed his 2003 Mercedes-Benz into a metal security gate at the Cinnamon Creek Apartments at 15123 Brookhurst St. in Westminster on Monday morning, according to the city’s police department.

Quach, 42, was detained by residents of the complex until police arrived, Westminster Police Commander Dan Schoonmaker said in a statement.

Westminster officers said they immediately identified the driver as Quach and requested the case be handled by the California Highway Patrol due to the potential for conflict of interest.

Quach was arrested on suspicion of DUI after allegedly failing a field sobriety test. He was booked into Orange County Jail.

The councilman was arrested in 2009 after he collided with another car, struck a concrete wall and severed a power pole, knocking out electricity to more than 300 homes.

A blood test revealed that he had a blood-alcohol level of more than three times the legal level, according to officials. He later pleaded guilty to the DUI charges.

“I fully recognize and appreciate that the years of service I have put into this city were damaged by my recent mistakes, although I hope the damage is not irreparable,” Quach said at a 2009 city council meeting when he apologized for his actions.

Quach could not be reached for comment. He is expected to be arraigned on Thursday.

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