Former Vallejo Cop, Councilman Blames DUI On Ambien

VALLEJO (CBS13) - An accident caused by Ambien? That's what a former Vallejo police captain claims happened after he reportedly hit a parked car, then a police cruiser and wound up arrested.

He was a cop 35 years, served on the City Council, is married to a city councilwoman and most recently was director of a community organization combating alcohol and drug use. But now Tony Pearsall is facing DUI charges after police say he hit a parked car in a supermarket parking lot.

When Pearsall was removed from his car, cops say he was slurring his speech and unable to stand without assistance.

"You just wouldn't expect to see something like that from someone who'd been so involved in the community," neighbor Laurie Sherwood said.

Witnesses tell police the 66-year-old clipped a parked car leaving Lucky's on Sunday night and left the scene.

Police say they found Pearsall near his home driving slowly on the wrong side of the road directly toward their patrol car. He slowed even more but reportedly drove into the cop car, causing minor damage to its front bumper.

He was arrested on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run, but Pearsall's attorney claims it wasn't alcohol or illegal drugs causing his client problems, but a sedative to help him sleep.

"He's been taking Ambien by prescription by a doctor so he can actually sleep through the night," Dan Russo said. "And this has been the most humiliating event in his life."

Pearsall claims he forgot he took the Ambien when his wife asked him to run to the store before bed.

Pearsall also takes Vicodin for back pain and admits to having a glass of wine at dinner. But his lawyer insists it was the Ambien that threw Pearsall for a loop.

"Even though it's a very minor and petty offense - really, no one was hurt, no one was injured - it's a complete humiliation for him and he's having a hard time with it," Russo said.