Lake Stevens not probing Public Works director’s DUI arrest

City administrator says Durpos was off duty when arrested despite driving from city-sponsored event.

LAKE STEVENS — Apparently reversing an earlier decision, the city of Lake Stevens now says it will not investigate its public works director after he was arrested for suspicion of drunken driving after leaving a city-sponsored event in late July.

Eric Durpos, 52, was pulled over July 27 when his truck allegedly veered into oncoming traffic on Vernon Road near Highway 9, nearly hitting a motorcyclist, a Lake Stevens Police report said. He reportedly told the officer he had a couple of beers in the Aquafest VIP tent, which is for special guests and sponsors, of which the city is one of the largest.

“It was on his personal time and in his personal vehicle,” city administrator Gene Brazel said Monday.

Brazel declined to comment on whether Durpos had been working in any capacity at Aquafest.

In an interview shortly after the incident, the city’s then-human resources director, Teri Smith, told The Daily Herald the city “was actively looking into the case.” Smith since left her post to work for the city of Kent, and the position was filled by an interim director.

In an email Friday, city clerk Kathy Pugh wrote that “after consultation with legal counsel, the City determined an internal investigation is not necessary at this time.”

When asked about the investigation in a telephone interview Monday, Brazel responded, “case closed.”

A decision by Snohomish County prosecutors on whether to file charges against Durpos likely won’t be made for months because of a high caseload, authorities said.

After being pulled over in July and asked for his license, registration and insurance, the Lake Stevens officer reported, “(Durpos) looked at me with a puzzling look and stated he was the Public Works director for the city of Lake Stevens.”

Brazel declined to comment on whether that was an appropriate comment for a city employee to make during a traffic stop. He said Durpos was wearing a large VIP tag around his neck which indicated he worked for the city.

To avoid any potential conflicts of interest, the police officer called a Washington State Patrol trooper to take over.

After failing a field sobriety test, Durpos was booked into the Snohomish County Jail where, according to the state patrol, he registered a 0.16 blood-alcohol content — two times the legal limit.

He was released on $1,000 bond.

Durpos, who continues to lead the department, could not be reached for comment.

He joined the city in March 2017. His annual salary is $143,656.

In 2018, he was reprimanded for rudeness and incivility after 10 employees signed a letter saying he was aggressive and difficult to work with.

The city required him to complete 40 hours of community service and attend a training on workplace behavior.

Joey Thompson: 425-339-3449; jthompson@herald net.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

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Judge sentences man for role in human smuggling ring

Jesus Ortiz-Plata was arrested in Everett in May 2024. A U.S. District Court judge sentenced him to 15 months in prison.

Bill Wood, right, Donnie Griffin, center right, and Steve Hatzenbeler, left, listen and talk with South County Fire Chief Bob Eastman, center left, during an Edmonds Civic Roundtable event to discuss the RFA annexation on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds community discusses annexation into the regional fire authority

About 100 residents attended the Edmonds Civic Roundtable discussion in preparation for the April special election.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens schools bond leading early; Arlington voters reject latest levy attempt

A $314 million bond looks to pass while Arlington’s attempts to build a new Post Middle School again appear to take a step back.

The second floor of the Lynnwood Crisis Center on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Funding gap leaves Lynnwood without a crisis center provider

The idea for the Lynnwood crisis center began in 2021 after a 47-year-old died by suicide while in custody at Lynnwood Municipal Jail.

Three seriously injured after head-on collision on Highway 522

The crash between Monroe and Maltby happened around 4:30 p.m. on Monday.

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.