Lake Stevens Public Works director arrested Saturday for DUI

After leaving Aquafest, Eric Durpos allegedly swerved into traffic and almost hit a motorcyclist.

LAKE STEVENS — After leaving Aquafest, the head of the Lake Stevens Public Works Department was arrested late Saturday night for investigation of drunken driving. An internal review by the city is under way.

Eric Durpos, 52, was driving his gray Ford F-150 on Vernon Road in Lake Stevens near Highway 9 when his pickup truck veered off the road and then into the oncoming lane, almost hitting a motorcyclist, according to a Washington State Patrol report.

Durpos reportedly told police he was on his way back home from Aquafest, where he drank a couple of beers in a VIP tent. The city is a co-sponsor of the community festival.

The Lake Stevens officer who pulled him over noted a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.

When asked for his license, registration and insurance, the report says, “(Durpos) looked at me with a puzzling look and stated he was the public works director for the city of Lake Stevens.”

Because Durpos is a city employee, the Lake Stevens officer called for Washington State Patrol’s help to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.

When the state trooper arrived, she administered a field sobriety test, which Durpos failed. He initially refused to do a breath test for his blood-alcohol level, but agreed to do one after he was booked into the Snohomish County Jail.

His blood-alcohol level was 0.16, according to the police reports. It’s illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or greater.

Durpos was released Sunday after posting $1,000 bond.

As of Thursday, Durpos was still at work. He did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Lake Stevens Human Resources director Teri Smith said the city is actively looking into the case.

This isn’t the first time Durpos has been the subject of a human resources investigation during his employment with the city.

In 2018, he was reprimanded for rudeness and incivility after 10 of his employees signed a letter saying he was aggressive and difficult to work with. He was required to complete 40 hours of management classes and attend a training on workplace behavior.

Around the same time, outside experts hired by the city conducted an additional review of public works projects and management. The report raised allegations that employees were asked to cut corners and sometimes work without necessary permits. Investigators concluded the city should provide better information about protocols and job requirements.

Durpos joined the city in March 2017. He previously worked in Monroe and Colville. His annual salary is $143,656.

Joseph Thompson: 425-339-3430; jthompson@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @byjoeythompson.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

A firefighter stands in silence before a panel bearing the names of L. John Regelbrugge and Kris Regelbrugge during the ten-year remembrance of the Oso landslide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
‘Flood of emotions’ as Oso Landslide Memorial opens on 10th anniversary

Friends, family and first responders held a moment of silence at 10:37 a.m. at the new 2-acre memorial off Highway 530.

Julie Petersen poses for a photo with images of her sister Christina Jefferds and Jefferds’ grand daughter Sanoah Violet Huestis next to a memorial for Sanoah at her home on March 20, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. Peterson wears her sister’s favorite color and one of her bangles. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
‘It just all came down’: An oral history of the Oso mudslide

Ten years later, The Daily Herald spoke with dozens of people — first responders, family, survivors — touched by the deadliest slide in U.S. history.

Victims of the Oso mudslide on March 22, 2014. (Courtesy photos)
Remembering the 43 lives lost in the Oso mudslide

The slide wiped out a neighborhood along Highway 530 in 2014. “Even though you feel like you’re alone in your grief, you’re really not.”

Director Lucia Schmit, right, and Deputy Director Dara Salmon inside the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management on Friday, March 8, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
How Oso slide changed local emergency response ‘on virtually every level’

“In a decade, we have just really, really advanced,” through hard-earned lessons applied to the pandemic, floods and opioids.

Ron and Gail Thompson at their home on Monday, March 4, 2024 in Oso, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In shadow of scarred Oso hillside, mudslide’s wounds still feel fresh

Locals reflected on living with grief and finding meaning in the wake of a catastrophe “nothing like you can ever imagine” in 2014.

Everett mall renderings from Brixton Capital. (Photo provided by the City of Everett)
Topgolf at the Everett Mall? Mayor’s hint still unconfirmed

After Cassie Franklin’s annual address, rumors circled about what “top” entertainment tenant could be landing at Everett Mall.

Everett
Everett man sentenced to 3 years of probation for mutilating animals

In 2022, neighbors reported Blayne Perez, 35, was shooting and torturing wildlife in north Everett.

Dorothy Crossman rides up on her bike to turn in her ballot  on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett leaders plan to ask voters for property tax increase

City officials will spend weeks hammering out details of a ballot measure, as Everett faces a $12.6 million deficit.

Starbucks employee Zach Gabelein outside of the Mill Creek location where he works on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mill Creek Starbucks votes 21-1 to form union

“We obviously are kind of on the high of that win,” store bargaining delegate Zach Gabelein said.

Lynnwood police respond to a collision on highway 99 at 176 street SW. (Photo provided by Lynnwood Police)
Police: Teen in stolen car flees cops, causes crash in Lynnwood

The crash blocked traffic for over an hour at 176th Street SW. The boy, 16, was arrested on felony warrants.

The view of Mountain Loop Mine out the window of a second floor classroom at Fairmount Elementary on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County: Everett mining yard violated order to halt work next to school

At least 10 reports accused OMA Construction of violating a stop-work order next to Fairmount Elementary. A judge will hear the case.

Imagine Children's Museum's incoming CEO, Elizabeth "Elee" Wood. (Photo provided by Imagine Children's Museum)
Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett to welcome new CEO

Nancy Johnson, who has led Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett for 25 years, will retire in June.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.