Eagan police arrested their own Mayor Mike Maguire for driving drunk

Is there something about the winter doldrums of January that compels Minnesota mayors to drive drunk? 

Eagan police arrested their city’s mayor, Michael John Maguire, 52, on Jan. 11 after responding to reports that his sport-utility vehicle was stuck in a snowbank near the intersection of Dakota Path and Shadow Creek Curve, KARE 11 reported Monday.

That makes Maguire the third Minnesota mayor in a year to be arrested for allegedly driving under the influence. 

He is joined by New Brighton Mayor Val Johnson, who was arrested Jan. 19, 2019 for driving while intoxicated, apologizing a few days later. She later pled guilty and remains mayor of the northern Twin Cities suburb.

Nine days before Johnson’s arrest, former Rice Mayor Erik Bonde was arrested after police found him sitting in the driver’s seat of a school bus with an open container. The next day, Jan. 11. Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck issued a press release outlining the details of his arrest, raising questions about why Eagan police didn’t do the same. 

Former Crystal City councilman Jeff Kolb questioned in a tweet why Eagan Police didn’t send out a news release to inform the public:

If you arrest a member of your governing body you owe it to the public to over communicate.

 The Jan. 15 complaint alleges Maguire had a blood alcohol content of .19, more than twice the legal limit to drive. 

Eagan police spokesman, Officer Aaron Machtemes, said in an email that “it has not been the practice for the police department to send press releases out for arrests of celebrities or public officials unless other factors were at play.

He said press releases are typically issued if an incident occurs that threaten’s the public safety or the department needs help identifying suspects.

He added that the Hastings city attorney is handling the case to avoid a conflict of interest. 

Long story made short: Mayors (and everyone else), call an Uber. Call a friend.