The new City Manager for the City of Hollywood apologized Friday after he was arrested for DUI.
According to the Miami-Dade Police report, Douglas Hewett was arrested early on Easter Sunday morning, April 8.
The police report said Hewett was stopped on Biscayne Boulevard near 156th Street after leaving a club.
According to the arresting officer, Hewitt had bloodshot, watery eyes. The officer also said he smelled a strong smell of alcohol and that Hewett speech was slurred. The officer also said Hewett was swearing.
He was arrested and charged with DUI.
"This is humiliating to for the city. It's humiliating because we have had a great deal of turmoil here in the city of Hollywood,” said Mayor Peter Bober. “There is no doubt this is disappointing. It falls into question his judgment as to all issues, particularly where he doesn't have a track record in the city and has not been able to demonstrate his abilities. It requires the city commission to highly scrutinize everything he does going forward. It's unavoidable."
When asked by Local 10's Jeff Weinsier if they believed Hewett should lose his job, Commissioner Patricia Asseff replied: "No, I do not feel that."
"I’m not prepared to make a decision to change course. I’m comfortable with him as City Manager. I like some of the things he's done, I like the direction, I like working with him. I want to see how this plays out in the legal system," said Commissioner Dick Blattner
The arrest came just months after Hewett was hired by the city in February.
Hewett gave Local 10 News the following statement: "I can confirm I was stopped by a Miami-Dade police officer in April on suspicion of driving under the influence. At the time of the incident, I advised each member of the City Commission who expressed their concerns about this serious matter. Given the nature of this incident, I’ve retained an attorney. On his advice, I’m unable to discuss the facts of this case at this point. However, I deeply regret how this may negatively reflect on the City of Hollywood. I look forward to resolving this matter and continuing to serve the City."