CENTRALIA — According to reports, the Centralia City Attorney was arrested just before 7 o’clock Wednesday night for alleged driving under the influence, after he was reportedly found passed out behind the wheel of his car.

Officers reportedly arrested 42-year-old Brian Merrell after they responded to a complaint of a driver passed out in the traffic lane at the Fifth Street railroad tracks in Centralia.

Merrell was taken into custody for alleged DUI and open container. He was transported to the Centralia Police Department where he was processed, posted bond and was released.

In 2012 Merrell was charged with and convicted of DUI in Jefferson County. He was sentenced to 18 months supervision, and ordered to pay a fine plus complete alcohol treatment.

In 2006, he was arrested and charged with DUI in Marion County. But in 2007 he was instead charged with reckless driving in that case to which he pleaded guilty and the DUI was dismissed.

In addition to representing the City of Centralia as its attorney, Merrell was hired in January to represent the City of Wamac.