City Liquor Chief Gets DUI Ticket
The head of the city’s liquor control department was removed from his position after he was arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, the city manager said Saturday.
Eldon Audsley received a ticket Oct. 25 that alleges he was driving “while under the influence of alcohol and drugs to a degree which renders him incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle,” records obtained by the Kansas City Star said.
City Manager Bob Collins said Audsley was removed as city manager of regulated industries more than a week ago. Collins said Audsley was not fired and could return to the job.
Audsley’s attorney, William O’Sullivan, said his client was on personal leave until the charge is resolved in court. He called it the “most phony, false charge” he’s seen in his career.
O’Sullivan said his client’s blood-alcohol level was below Missouri’s legal limit and a urine sample twice tested negative for drugs.
The ticket did not provide results of a blood test. Audsley, 50, is scheduled to appear in Kansas City municipal court Tuesday.
O’Sullivan said Audsley was not available for comment. He said his client hopes to return to city government in a position with less responsibility and work toward retirement, which he will be eligible for in about a year.
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