HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Hollywood city attorney Jeff Sheffel has requested a leave of absence after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Sheffel, 57, sent a letter to city commissioners Tuesday requesting a 30-day leave of absence.
A Broward Sheriff's Office deputy arrested Sheffel on Sunday after he drove his car onto the sidewalk of the Hollywood Boulevard bridge.
Sheffel told Local 10 News that he had just gotten into town after a red-eye flight from Colorado.
"I think I fell asleep and had the accident," Sheffel said after he was released from jail on bond.
File: Jeff Sheffel Leave of Absence Request
In his letter, Sheffel wrote that he "reached the conclusion that the best interests of the city would be served" if he took a leave of absence.
Sheffel recommended deputy city attorney Alan Fallik to serve as temporary acting city attorney during his absence.
After his leave of absence, Sheffel said that he intends to return to work "to continue to provide the level of service to the city that you have come to expect and deserve from your city attorney."