Arrested councilman’s BAC found to be 0.22

Mesa’s Winkle could face 6 months in jail if convicted

Mesa Councilman Ryan Winkle’s blood-alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit when he was arrested on suspicion of DUI this month, Tempe police said Tuesday afternoon.

A BAC level of 0.22 percent is considered “super extreme,” which means penalties could range from 45 days to six months in jail if he is convicted.

The legal limit for a BAC level is 0.08 percent.

Winkle, who is currently on a voluntary suspension from the council, was pulled over by Tempe police about 1 a.m. May 7, after an officer saw him nearly hit three pedestrians, according to the Tempe police report.

In the body-camera video of his arrest, Winkle told officers multiple times that he had not been drinking.

This is Winkle’s second DUI arrest with a reported BAC level higher than 0.2 percent. He served 45 days in jail in 2009.

In a press conference last week, Winkle announced his voluntary suspension and apologized to his “fellow Mesans.”

“You, the voters of District 3, have bestowed a great honor upon me and I have disappointed you. To you I say directly: I am very sorry,” he said.

Winkle’s attorney, John Phebus, issued the following statement Tuesday on the councilman’s behalf:

“Councilman Winkle’s blood test result of a .220 percent is consistent with a violation of Arizona’s misdemeanor DUI law. This is not a felony.

“From the beginning, Ryan has accepted responsibility and cooperated with the authorities. He will continue to do so and will do everything in his power to demonstrate to his constituents and to the City of Mesa that he is worthy of their continued trust. All parties expect a speedy resolution of this case.”