Perris Councilman Arrested On Suspicion Of Being Under The Influence Of Drugs

PERRIS (CBSLA.com) — A Perris councilman was arrested Tuesday after authorities suspected him of being under the influence of drugs.

Julio Rodriguez, 28, reported a theft around 7:30 a.m. at Red Lion Inn & Suites near the 500 block of Redlands Boulevard, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said.

Authorities said Rodriguez showed symptoms consistent with being on some type of illegal drug.

Drug paraphernalia and a small amount of methamphetamine were located in Rodriguez's hotel room, sheriff's officials said.

Rodriguez was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and being under the influence of a controlled substance. His bail is set at $5,000.

Mayor Daryl R. Busch told KCAL9's Crystal Cruz that Rodriguez's city-issued iPad was stolen during his hotel stay.

Asked how the situation made the city look, Busch said, "It makes it look really bad, and I say that because the city has done a lot of good things."

Busch continued, "You can't make [Rodriguez] resign or step down…you can ask or censure the person, but that will all depend on what he decides to do."