Bannister declares his innocence

LAWRENCEVILLE - The chairman of the Gwinnett County Commission Tuesday declared that he is innocent of a DUI charge.

Charles Bannister was arrested Monday night and was charged with driving under the influence and making an improper lane change.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Stacey Bourbonnais says deputies received a tip that the 71-year-old Bannister had been seen drinking at a Lilburn restaurant. The arresting officer said in his report that Bannister had trouble reciting the alphabet.

He was released Monday night on a signature bond. He issued a statement Tuesday expressing confidence that he will be exonerated.

Bannister was first elected to the commission in 2004 after 18 years in the Georgia House.