Mayor's Communications Director Arrested on DUI Charge | Crime

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Communications Director for Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown is facing a DUI charge in Bradford County.

Jail records show Abel Harding was arrested Saturday near U.S. 301 by the Hampton Police Department. He was booked on a DUI charge late Saturday, then released early Sunday.

According to the Hampton Police department, Harding was arrested for suspicion of DUI after being pulled over for speeding at 10:21 Saturday night for driving 65 in a 55 mph zone.  The arresting officer, David Hughes, says Harding refused a breathalyzer.  Officer Hughes, who has been with the department since the spring, reports Harding then failed a field sobriety test and was arrested.

According to our news partner, The Florida Times-Union, Harding is now on administrative leave from City Hall.
    
Harding became Brown's Communications Director when the Mayor took office July 1.  Prior to that, Harding worked as a reporter for the Times Union.