Virginia Beach, Va. - “He wouldn't have written me up if I didn’t have alcohol on my breath,” those words came straight from John Atkinson’s mouth.
NewsChannel 3 found the man who has been the Virginia Beach City Treasurer for more than 30 years in his office, right back to work Friday after he was charged with DWI Thursday around 9:30 p.m.
According to police, Atkinson was stopped at the Oceanfront in the 2000 block of Atlantic Avenue.
John Atkinson. Photo credit Virginia Beach Police Department
He was arrested and charged with DWI but police say he refused to be tested.
He was released on bond.
“It’s a regrettable situation,” Atkinson told NewsChannel 3.
The 73-year-old elected official has served as the Resort City's Treasurer since 1978.
To avoid any potential conflicts, a spokesperson with the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office says they’ll bring in a special prosecutor to handle the case.
When asked about his plan, if any, to fight the charges in court Atkinson says he has thirty days to figure that out.
