SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte was arrested Friday for allegedly driving while intoxicated, Bexar County Court Records show.
Whyte, 43, took over the open District 10 seat from former Councilman Clayton Perry, who stepped down from the council role after he was charged with DWI for an incident in November 2022.
On Saturday afternoon, Whyte released the following statement:
“I did not feel intoxicated when I drove home last night. I never get behind the wheel when I feel as if I’ve had too much to drink. But that isn’t point. Nobody should drive even if they have had just one drink. I take full ownership over my actions, and I apologize to the residents of District 10, my family, friends, counsel colleagues and anyone else who I have let down,” Whyte said.
An SAPD blood draw warrant obtained by KSAT said an officer observed Whyte’s vehicle driving 80 miles per hour in a posted 65 mph zone on Northeast Loop 410 around 11 p.m.
In the warrant, the officer states that he watched the vehicle make several lane changes without signaling.
While Whyte remained cooperative with the officer during the traffic stop, the warrant states the officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol and glossy red eyes. The warrant also states that Whyte refused a breathalyzer.
The warrant notes that Whyte told the officer he consumed a beer at three different locations on the Northwest Side, including El Mirasol, Myron’s Steakhouse and the Thirsty Horse Dance Hall & Saloon.
Court records show that Whyte posted a $2,000 bond on Saturday morning and was released from the Bexar County Jail.
His arraignment is set for Jan. 30.
Whyte was charged a year to the day since Perry was booked on his own DWI charge.
The mayor’s office declined to comment on the arrest.
Another council member was with Whyte before arrest
On Monday, a spokesperson for District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda told KSAT via text that “she was with (Whyte) along with a group of people before 9 p.m.” The spokesperson said he believed that the group had been at El Mirasol.
Whyte was pulled over around 11 p.m., police said.
When asked if KSAT could interview Cabello Havrda, the spokesperson said the councilwoman was “leaving it” at the statement she had issued Saturday.
That statement, which made no mention of having been with Whyte the evening before, is below:
“I am aware of the allegations involving Councilman Whyte. I caution against rushing to judgment as we don’t yet have all the facts. I will take this opportunity to remind the community we should all be cognizant of the dangers of driving while impaired as we approach New Year celebrations. Driving while impaired is a community-wide problem that requires not only vigilance, but compassion. I will support my friend and colleague in the difficult days to come,” Cabello Havrda said.
