San Juan Bautista Councilman DeVries arrested, released

San Juan Bautista city councilman Dan DeVries was arrested May 24 for felony domestic battery, according to the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were called to a domestic disturbance on 5th street, at around 9 p.m. Friday. There they found DeVries with a woman, whose name is not being released. The Sheriff’s Office tells us they are not able to provide information on any injuries.

DeVries was arrested and booked in to the San Benito County Jail. The Sheriff’s Office says he posted $50,000 bail a few hours later.

San Juan Bautista city manager Ed Tewes told KION, “the city will not comment on private matters.” According to Tewes, DeVries will not be placed on leave during the investigation. He says, since DeVries is an elected official it’s up to the people of the city to make that decision.

DeVries has served the community for the last 25 years, from a planning commissioner to city council with a term that expires in 2020.

Residents of San Juan Bautista KION spoke with say they want to wait to get all the facts before jumping to a conclusion.

“He could be innocent. It could be a misunderstanding,” Dennis Copeland said. “I’d rather not jump to conclusions, because it is his career, his life and his family.”

The arrest made for suspicion of domestic battery is a felony. The Sheriff’s office said the victim suffered a traumatic injury.

“The extent of the injuries are unknown at this point but it did qualify under that section as a felony battery,” captain Eric Taylor with the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office said.

If found guilt, DeVries could serve jail time. He is scheduled to appear in court in June.