Jaye arrested in Macomb for alleged drunken driving

MACOMB TOWNSHIP (AP) - State Sen. David Jaye was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and failed a Breathalyzer test early yesterday, a sheriff's inspector said.

Jaye, who has faced drunken driving charges previously, was stopped by sheriff's deputies around 1:30 a.m. on state Highway 59 and released on $100 bond at about 6 a.m. yesterday, Macomb County sheriff's Inspector Mark Hackel said. Jaye cooperated with the deputies, Hackel said.

Because Jaye has not been arraigned and the information has not yet been forwarded to prosecutors, Hackel said he could not disclose Jaye's blood-alcohol content. A blood-alcohol content of 0.10 percent or higher is considered drunk under Michigan law.

Jaye's attorney, Rob Huth, said yesterday afternoon he hadn't had a chance to review the sheriff's department report.

''It is my understanding that his blood-alcohol was right at or around the legal limit and there may be mitigating circumstances. If not, I expect him to square up and take responsibility for his action,'' Huth said.

Jaye could not be reached for comment yesterday afternoon.

''I have been a strong supporter of and always voted for tough drunk driving laws that we are all subject to,'' Jaye said in a statement released by his office.

''I am seeking counsel from my family and friends and ask for their prayer during this trying time.''

Jaye, a Washington Township Republican, served three weekends in jail in 1993 for drunken driving.

He was arrested Feb. 2, 1993, after rolling through a stop sign in rural Webberville, about 20 miles east of Lansing. He was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor and having an unlawful bodily alcohol content above 0.10 percent.

Jaye's license was suspended for six weeks and restricted for six months.

He also was ticketed in 1984 in Sterling Heights for operating a vehicle while impaired by liquor.