Sunday, March 16, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
"Unfortunately, if they came out tomorrow and said he is not guilty, it wouldn't make any difference to most people," North Las Vegas police Lt. Chris Larotonda said Saturday. "It would still look bad."
Nelson was arrested in northeast Las Vegas after he was stopped at 7:10 p.m. Friday when his city-owned car appeared to be swerving, police Sgt. Will Minor said.
"The officer approached the vehicle and he could immediately smell the odor of intoxicating beverages inside the car," Minor said.
Nelson, a 25-year veteran of the Police Department who was named chief in January 1996, failed a series of field-sobriety tests. He was also given a Breathalyzer test, but the result of the test could not be released, Minor said.
Nelson was booked into the Las Vegas City Jail at 8:20 p.m. and later released. Bail information was not available.
Phone calls to Nelson's home were not returned.
"Right now we are still kind of in shock in regards to him actually being arrested," North Las Vegas City Council member John Rhodes said. "People make mistakes, but usually you expect a person in such a position of responsibility to do responsible things."
Rhodes said he expects the council, City Manager Linda Hinson and Mayor James Seastrand will meet Tuesday to discuss Nelson's future.
Larotonda said he talked to Nelson early Saturday and the police chief expressed remorse concerning the negative publicity his arrest will have on the Police Department.
"He described it as a regrettable situation, and also said he did not ask for any special consideration at the scene, and he is not asking for any special consideration now," Larotonda said.
He said if Nelson is convicted of the misdemeanor charge, he could remain on the force. A misdemeanor driving under the influence conviction could carry penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and six month in jail.
Sandy Heverly, who heads the anti-drunken driving organization Stop DUI in the Las Vegas Valley, said Nelson should step down.
"Our organization has serious concerns about him remaining in that position," she said. "When a person holds that position they are held to a higher standard than others, and they are supposed to be an example not only to the department but also the community."
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