Assistant Ann Arbor city attorney arrested on suspicion of drunken driving

An Ann Arbor senior assistant city attorney who prosecutes drunk drivers was arrested for suspected drunk driving Sunday.

Bob West, who works in sobriety court in the 15th District Court, was stopped by a Washtenaw County sheriff's deputy at about 8 p.m. on Jackson Avenue near 3L's Drive in Scio Township.

Asked today whether he was driving drunk, West said no charges have been authorized, he hasn't seen the police report and he's entitled to the presumption of innocence. West said everything still needs to be sorted out.

"It's most unfortunate," he said. "I regret that it happened, but I think it was a private matter."

No other details about the stop were released by the Sheriff's Department. West's supervisor, City Attorney Stephen Postema, said he will be "dealing with this matter," and declined further comment.

West has been licensed to practice law in the state for nearly 30 years, according to the State Bar of Michigan.

Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at leehiggins@annarbor.com or 734-623-2527.