Northern California mayor arrested on suspicion of DUI after crash, authorities say

The mayor of Ione was arrested Monday evening on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, authorities said.

A caller reported to the Ione Police Department a crash behind the Ione Post Office on Main Street about 7:45 p.m., police said in a social media post. The caller identified the driver as Ione Mayor Stacy Rhoades, police said.

Officers requested the California Highway Patrol to conduct an investigation after concerns arose about Rhoades driving under the influence, police said. The crash damaged some property, but no one was injured, police said.

The CHP’s Amador area office said officers were called about 8:10 p.m. to help the Ione Police Department with the crash. Investigators took Rhoades to the CHP’s office where he underwent a chemical test, according to the CHP’s news release.

The mayor, who was elected last year serve a four-year term through 2028, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and for having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, according to the CHP.

Rhoades cooperated with both agencies during the investigation, police said online.

The Amador County Sheriff’s Office jail log did not show Rhoades in custody as of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Rhoades faced off against two candidates in the 2024 general election and won about 41% of the total vote.