Kotzebue fire chief on leave after DUI charge

ANCHORAGE — The Kotzebue fire chief is on paid administrative leave after being charged with driving under the influence.

KTVA reported Sean Ralston was accused of driving a city vehicle while intoxicated on July 2.

Kotzebue police say in a statement that an officer smelled alcohol on Ralston’s breath and saw one empty beer can and a half full can in Ralston’s marked city vehicle.

Tests indicated Ralston had a blood-alcohol content level of .167, more than twice the legal limit of .08.

City attorney Joe Evans says Ralston is on paid leave. Fire department Capt. Kelly Marcus is the acting chief.

A message left with Ralston’s Anchorage attorney on Friday morning wasn’t immediately returned to The Associated Press. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for Aug. 25.

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