Fort Worth City Council member Michael Crain was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after a traffic stop on the Chisholm Trail Parkway in Fort Worth on Friday night, Jan. 16, according to new details released Tuesday by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
A DPS trooper patrolling the Chisholm Trail Parkway stopped Crain, who was driving a Volkswagen, when the trooper observed a traffic violation about 10:20 p.m., a spokesperson told the Star-Telegram in a statement.
During the traffic stop, the trooper suspected that Crain was driving while intoxicated, leading to his arrest, according to DPS. The statement did not specify what the traffic violation was or what tests for intoxication were conducted.
Crain was arrested on a DWI charge, which is a Class B misdemeanor, and booked at the Tarrant County Jail about 12:30 Saturday morning. He was released Saturday afternoon, Jan. 17, after he posted a $750 bond, Tarrant County Jail records show.
🚨 More breaking news:
◽️ Sign up for Star-Telegram news alerts.
The investigation is ongoing, officials said.
Crain, 53, apologized in a statement for the “distraction” his arrest caused for his family, Fort Worth residents and colleagues.
“I regret the concern and uncertainty it has created for the people I care about and serve,” Crain said.
“I will continue to respect the process and cooperate as it moves forward,” he wrote. “To the residents of District 3, please know that my commitment to you and to the city will not waiver. While this is a difficult moment, my responsibility to serve you will not change and I remain focused, as always, on the work ahead and serving as your representative on the City Council.”
Crain did not go into detail about the arrest because it is an ongoing legal matter.
A defense attorney to represent the council member is not yet listed in court records.
Crain is serving his third term on the council representing District 3. He was sworn in for his first two-year term in May 2021.
His district covers parts of far west and southwest Fort Worth, including the area around Texas Christian University. He previously told the Star-Telegram that he’s taken an active role bolstering the university’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor program.
Crain is a real estate broker. According to his online bio, he served as chief of staff at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing before coming to Fort Worth and also worked in President George W. Bush’s administration.
“The City is aware of the arrest by the Texas Department of Public Safety,” a city spokesperson said. “Due to this being a legal matter, we will not comment further.”
Government reporter Rachel Royster and breaking news reporter Harriet Ramos contributed to this story.