Mayor arrested for DUI, community speaks out

El Centro Mayor Edgard Garcia is being charged on two counts of driving under the influence. Police said Garcia was stopped at Aurora and Cypress Drive on Tuesday around 10 p.m.

Police said Garcia refused to take a sobriety test, was taken to the station, cited and released.

This has the community speaking out.

I.V. Educator Eric Reyes said, “As El Centro’s Mayor he has a right to live a life and make choices, some good and some bad as the rest of us. I don’t think it detracts from the work he has done as mayor.”

El Centro resident Olga Moreno said, “He’s always helping anybody that can’t afford an attorney. I have taken him some cases of friends and he’s always there to help them and guide them in the legal aspect of it.”

Jeannie Carson, local resident, said, “He needs to be held accountable. All officials should set an example for all people.”

Jason Jackson, City Council Member, said he supports Garcia.

“This is a private matter that the mayor should be dealing with privately, has nothing to do with his ability to lead the city of El Centro as our mayor. And really doesn’t have anything to do with him as an elected official on our council,” Jackson said.
Deborah Owen, I.C. Assistant District Attorney, said there was no paperwork yet, therefore no court date.

“Nothing has been submitted to our office as of yet regarding Mr. Garcia. When, and if it is submitted, it will be evaluated in the normal course,” Owen said.

We reached out to Mayor Garcia for comment. He was not available. We reached out to his office for information on his attorney. They had no comment.

El Centro Police said the investigation on this case is ongoing.