Abby Cambiano
Northeast News

Third District Councilman and mayoral candidate Quinton Lucas was arrested in Lawrence, Kansas late Thursday night on one count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

He was booked into the Douglas County Jail around 2 a.m. on Friday, and posted bail of $750.

The overnight low in Lawrence, Kansas on October 18 was 35 degrees, and some have speculated that Lucas turned on the car to stay warm.

According to DrivingLaws.org, “In Kansas, a motorist can get a DUI even without actually driving: The statute defines DUI as ‘operating or attempting to operate’ a vehicle while under the influence or with a prohibited BAC. Kansas courts have said this includes any ‘overt act to engage’ and does not require movement of the vehicle. So while driving is sufficient for a conviction, it isn’t required.”

Lucas contacted the Northeast News via email on Friday, October 19, and said, “I never moved or attempted to move my car.”

Massachusetts Street in Lawrence is a popular hangout for students of Kansas University, where Lucas is a faculty member.

After a university event and post-event gathering, Lucas said via email on Friday that he decided he was not prepared to safely drive home to Kansas City, so he decided to wait it out in his legally parked car. He continues that he must have dozed off and was approached by a Lawrence police officer.

“After I had drinks last evening, I chose not to drive,” Lucas said. “I look forward to resolving this issue and explaining the responsible choice I made not to drive under the influence.”

For a first offense, the recipient of a DUI could receive between 48 hours and 6 months in jail, fines up to $1,000, a 30 days license suspension, and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (which is a breathalyzer to start a car).

Lucas, who is the youngest current council member, will be required to appear in court in Douglas County in November for the misdemeanor charge.