Auburn city official placed on leave after arrest for suspicion of DUI in city-owned car

AUBURN, Wash. -- An Auburn city official was placed on administrative leave after being arrested on suspicion of DUI in a a city-owned vehicle, Mayor Nancy Backus said Wednesday.

Auburn Director of Administration Michael Hursh was arrested at about 2 a.m. Tuesday and booked into jail. He was later released on his own recognizance.

Hursh was placed on administrative leave Wednesday, pending the results of the criminal and internal investigation, the mayor's office said.

The prosecution is being handled by Federal Way and the internal investigation is being handled by Washington Cities Insurance Authority.

"This is a very difficult situation for me," Backus said. "Michael is a good man who it seems made a terrible mistake. While I do not condone his judgment or actions, I trust both the legal and internal process to ensure there is no special treatment and that the appropriate outcome is achieved.

"I hope that this is a lesson to each of us that there is no tolerance for drinking and driving," Backus added.

Hursh has been employed by the city of Auburn for nine years and has served in his current position for three years.