The mayor of a small Virginia town has been charged with public intoxication after allegedly arriving drunk at the scene of a train derailment. Paul Morrison, 57, the mayor of Rich Creek, was arrested by Giles County Sheriff's Deputies on Tuesday, according to local reports.
Incident Details
Morrison reportedly learned of a train derailment near the Virginia-West Virginia border and went to investigate. The Giles County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the area and that a hazmat team was dispatched. However, no further details about the derailment or the circumstances leading to Morrison's arrest have been released.
Arrest and Release
Morrison was charged with public intoxication and later released on his own recognizance, according to court records. The New River Valley Regional Jail processed the mayor following his arrest.
The Independent has reached out to Norfolk Southern for comment regarding the derailment. Rich Creek, home to approximately 750 residents, lies about 250 miles west of Richmond, Virginia.
