Full Breakdown
Fresno Council Candidate Naindeep Singh Cleared After DUI Arrest
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Incident Overview
During a traffic stop in Fresno’s Tower District on Saturday night, District 1 City Council candidate Naindeep Singh was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after officers reported that he failed six of eight field-sobriety tests, though he passed a breathalyzer. A subsequent toxicology analysis returned negative for any drugs, and the department confirmed that the blood test was also negative. Police indicated the stop was initially prompted by expired vehicle-registration tags. The arrest was later removed from Singh’s record, and the department agreed to reimburse towing and impound fees.
02
Official Statements & Responses
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto announced the negative toxicology result at a second press conference, emphasizing that officers had “probable cause” for the arrest and that decisions were made based on the facts available at the time. She personally apologized to Singh by phone and said the department would not influence the upcoming election. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer expressed disappointment over the arrest, noting the “pain and embarrassment” it caused Singh and his family while affirming confidence that the arresting officer acted in good faith.
03
Political Reactions
Singh held a news conference shortly after the toxicology results were released, accusing unnamed individuals within City Hall and his political opponent of promoting a false narrative to damage his reputation. He called for accountability and urged that the exonerating test results receive as much public attention as the initial arrest. The incident has drawn heightened scrutiny of police procedures during election cycles, with the department citing public-interest requests as the reason for releasing additional information.
04
Verbatim Quotes
- “Late this afternoon we received a verbal advisement from the lab that the results were negative for any drugs,” — Mindy Casto, fresno police chief
- “This is about more than an apology. It's about accountability. It's about fairness, and ensuring truth doesn't get overshadowed by political agendas,” — Naindeep Singh
- “I spoke with Mr. Singh over the phone and apologized for how this arrest has impacted him,” — Mindy Casto, fresno police chief
- “Every step taken, there was some reason for officers to believe that at the time, and probable cause is the standard required for an arrest, certainly not beyond a reasonable doubt like there would be for conviction,” — Mindy Casto, fresno police chief
- “I believe certain individuals inside City Hall and my political opponent intentionally promoted a false narrative, attempting to unfairly damage my reputation and mislead our community here in Fresno,” — Naindeep Singh
- “I am extremely disappointed with the untimely and unfortunate arrest of Fresno City Council candidate Naindeep Singh,” — Jerry Dyer, fresno mayor