FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno City Council District 1 candidate Naindeep Singh Chann, who also goes by Naindeep Singh, has been cleared of DUI accusations after laboratory results showed no drugs in his system, according to Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto.
Casto announced the results during a second press conference Tuesday evening, hours after an earlier briefing. She said the department received confirmation from the lab that Singh tested negative for drugs.
“Late this afternoon we received a verbal advisement from the lab that the results were negative for any drugs,” Casto said.
The findings came after Singh’s arrest following a traffic stop just before midnight Saturday.
Singh spoke to supporters and media members one hour after the Fresno Police Chief’s press conference.
Casto said she personally contacted Singh and apologized for the arrest. She also said the department would reimburse him for the towing and impound fees.
Singh said he felt vindicated by the test results.
“Today I feel exonerated. I knew from the bottom of my heart what I did and what I absolutely didn’t do,” he said.
According to Fresno police, an officer stopped Singh in the Tower District for expired registration tags. Singh said he had been in the area observing changes intended to improve safety when he was pulled over.
Bruce Thomas, identified as a law enforcement expert, explained some of the components officers may use during field sobriety testing.
“The finger to the nose, having your head back tilted backwards, your eyes closed, your arms outstretched, looking for balance issues,” Thomas said.
“We’re out there making the best decisions that we can based on the facts that present themselves,” Casto said.
Action News reached out to Singh’s opponent, Rob Fuentes, who said in a statement:
“I watched the press conferences held by FPD Chief Casto, and I learned two things: One, the arresting officer had probable cause to make the arrest, based on Deep failing 6 of 8 field sobriety tests. Two, Deep has been exonerated, based on the negative results of the official toxicology report. I am sorry that Naindeep experienced what he experienced these last two days. I wish him well. And, ultimately, I am glad that we are now able to return to the issues facing District 1, such as the cost of living/affordability, public safety, and community revitalization, including efforts to fix our roads and sidewalks and expand our park spaces. These are the issues I will be focusing on heading into Election Day.”
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer also issued a statement, saying:
Although I am confident the arresting officer acted in good faith, believing he had probable cause to make the arrest, the resulting pain and embarrassment caused to Mr. Singh and his family are regrettable.
I wish Naindeep and his family the very best.”
Click here for the video story from ABC 30.
