Virginia mayor arrested for allegedly showing up drunk to scene of train derailment

Rich Creek Mayor Arrested for Public Intoxication After Train Derailment

A small-town Virginia mayor, Paul Morrison, found himself in hot water after allegedly showing up intoxicated at the scene of a train derailment near the West Virginia border. The 57-year-old mayor was arrested on the spot and booked into jail on a public intoxication charge, according to local reports.

The incident unfolded when a Norfolk Southern train derailed, spilling soybean oil into the Bluestone River. Crews scrambled to contain the non-hazardous material, as the mayor reportedly showed up at the scene inebriated. Details surrounding the events leading to Morrison’s arrest remain unclear.

Morrison, who was elected mayor of Rich Creek in a write-in campaign last November, received a majority of the votes cast in the small town with a population of around 700 residents. Despite his recent legal troubles, public officials have refrained from commenting on the incident, and the Town of Rich Creek has yet to respond to inquiries.

Court records indicate that Morrison was released from custody on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Giles County court on July 7. The mayor’s mugshot circulated online, showcasing the consequences of his alleged public intoxication at the train derailment site.

As the community grapples with this unexpected turn of events involving their mayor, the focus remains on addressing the aftermath of the train derailment and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Rich Creek and the surrounding areas. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.