Independence city manager gets off … on DUI charge

A week ago, Independence City Manager Robert Heacock got off on his driving-while-intoxicated case. We’re just now hearing about the case getting dumped by Lee’s Summit Municipal Court. (Thanks, Independence Examiner.) Apparently, there wasn’t enough evidence to move the case forward.

In late January, Heacock was charged with DUI. He blew a .09 — just .01 above the legal limit. The unseemly details of his arrest get conveniently omitted from stories nowadays.

A Lee’s Summit police officer arrested Heacock after catching him with

his pants around his thighs, with a friend, in his Lincoln LS in an

alley. According to the police report, Heacock and friend were in a

hurry to put their clothes on when they saw the cop. Heacock told the

officer he’d just left The Peanut, where he’d had a couple-three beers

and some shots. Heacock offered to drive home and be good if the

officer let him go. Instead, he was arrested. But I guess Heacock got off in the end.

Now Heacock is talking about how much he has learned from the arrest, 10-day suspension without pay and counseling for alcohol issues.

“The professional assistance I have personally sought has been very

positive, and I would encourage anyone facing difficult challenges in

their life to seek help as well,” Heacock told The Examiner.

Then he

had to go and ruin it.

“While I always questioned the legal aspects

surrounding the case, I have tried to take personal responsibility for

what happened, and I will continue doing so.”

Walking on this and embarrassing his family counts as taking responsibility, huh?