After drinking, driving and passing out behind the wheel of his car near his apartment building, Karega Harris, DeKalb’s 1st Ward Alderman, awoke to face the consequences of a DUI.

DeKalb police found Harris, 24, of 914 Ridge Drive Apt. 9, passed out in his car with an open container of alcohol in his lap at 4:04 a.m. Thursday in the 900 block of Ridge Drive. The car’s headlights and ignition were still on, though the engine was no longer running.

Vehicle damaged other cars

Police noticed the front end of Harris’ Honda Passport made contact with a legally parked Pontiac Grand AM, causing only minor damage to the back end of the Pontiac.

According to police, Harris said he parked so close to the other car because he did not want to block a nearby driveway and get towed.

After failing field sobriety tests, police arrested Harris for DUI and took him to the DeKalb Police Department where he later posted bond.

City council impact

“It doesn’t disqualify him if he is convicted of DUI because it’s not a felony,” said DeKalb City Attorney Norma Guess.

The only crimes that would affect Harris’ qualifications to sit on the council are more severe crimes like treason, murder or crimes of moral turpitude, Guess said.

Impact on DeKalb residents

Of three first ward residents interviewed, none feel Harris should relieve himself of his post, but one made a point of saying he hopes there will be no preferential treatment.

“He’s nobody special,” said resident Stefan Mosby. “The law is the law. I am indifferent, but should he be given special status? No.”

Resident Kevin Haggerty said it is lamentable, but because he doesn’t know Harris personally he can’t say whether he should keep his position.

“In a position like that you’re in the public’s eye — you got to keep a certain image. But I don’t know the guy,” Haggerty said.

Haggerty’s neighbor, Mark Frank, is confident Harris won’t receive special treatment.

“The legal course will take its action. I don’t think there will be any preferential treatment.”