GT County Commissioner Arrested for Operating While Intoxicated

Grand Traverse County Commissioner Brian McAllister was arrested for operating while intoxicated Wednesday in Grawn, McAllister confirmed to The Ticker Friday. McAllister is likely to be arraigned early next week. He has not yet decided whether he will step down from the county commission or other local boards on which he serves. McAllister faces a mandatory one-year loss of his driver's license, fines, and possible jail time, as it's his second offense.

Grand Traverse Sheriff Tom Bensley confirms McAllister was involved in an incident Wednesday, but said the case was handled by the Michigan State Police. MSP Information Officer Lt. Derrick Carroll says the department doesn't comment on cases publicly until individuals are arraigned. County Prosecuting Attorney Noelle Moeggenberg says the paperwork for McAllister's case hasn't yet been forwarded to her office so an arraignment can be set, but anticipates that could happen Monday.

For his part, McAllister acknowledges he was pulled over for drunk driving Wednesday evening in Grawn. "I have no good reasons for my decision," he says. "I'm upset and disappointed with myself." McAllister was previously convicted in early 2020 of operating while intoxicated with a BAC greater than .17. Because this is his second offense in seven years, he faces stiffer penalties this time around for the misdemeanor charge including the mandatory one-year revocation of his license, 5 days to 1 year in jail and/or 30-90 days of community service, a $200-$1,000 fine, court fees, license plate confiscation, mandatory vehicle immobilization or forfeiture, and six points on his driving record.

McAllister says he's still determining how best to move forward, including in his role as county commissioner. "That will be a conversation I have to have," he says. "I'm not sure yet." McAllister, who ran unopposed in District 1 in Grand Traverse County last fall as a Republican, is one of five new members who joined the commission effective January 1. He owns the Hofbrau Steak House in Interlochen and the Kingsley Inn in Kingsley.