Small-town Virginia mayor arrested for allegedly showing up drunk at scene of train derailment

The mayor of a small town in Virginia has been charged with public intoxication after he allegedly showed up drunk to a train derailment.

Rich Creek Mayor Paul Morrison, 57, was allegedly arrested by Giles County Sheriff's Deputies on Tuesday for public intoxication.

10 News reports that Morrison allegedly became aware of a train derailment near the state's border with West Virginia and went to check out what had happened.

There are no details outlining what occurred at the train derailment, other than it ended in Morrison's arrest.

Morrison was released on his own recognizance, according to local court records.

The Giles County Sheriff’s Office told The Independent that the train that derailed was a Norfolk Southern train and that a hazmat team was at the site, but did not provide further information regarding Morrison’s arrest.

The Independent has requested comment from Norfolk Southern concerning the derailment.

Rich Creek, which has a population of around 750 people, is approximately 250 miles east of Richmond, Virginia.