Wasilla City councilman arrested for DUI in Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS -- Wasilla City Councilman Noel Lowe was arrested last Sunday in Fairbanks on charges of driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Both of the charges are misdemeanors.

Officer Matt Soden of the Fairbanks Police was contacted early in the morning of the 21st on suspicions of a domestic dispute on Smythe Street in Fairbanks, according to a Fairbanks police report. Upon arriving at the scene, Soden reportedly found Lowe in a 2000 silver Cadillac following a woman attempting to walk away from the car; Fairbanks police suspect that they were having an argument. In addition, Lowe's car was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane on Smythe Street, according to a criminal complaint.

Further investigation by Soden revealed that Lowe had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, poor balance, and the odor of alcohol on his person, the complaint stated. According to Soden, both parties involved said the woman was Lowe's fianc/e.

The Fairbanks police report states that Lowe was arrested at around 3 a.m. and was booked at the Fairbanks Correctional Center. He was arraigned via phone from the facility by Magistrate Patrick Hammers, during which he reportedly said he wanted to speak to a lawyer.

Lowe was released on his own recognizance following his Sunday afternoon arraignment. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 4 in Fairbanks. When setting bail, however, Hammers was concerned that Lowe would not make the trip up to Fairbanks for his next appearance. Lowe reportedly responded by mentioning that he was on the Wasilla City Council.

Lowe has been a Wasilla City Council member since 1999. His term expires in October 2005.

Contact Daniel Spoth at daniel.spoth@frontiersman.com.