US councillor filmed 'negotiating with police to get out of DUI charge'

A video has emerged of a city council member in the US negotiating with police in what is being reported as an alleged attempt to get out of a felony DUI charge.

KFOR-TV reports that Jeffrey Jason or "J.J." Vance was arrested on Wednesday in Oklahoma, after a police officer saw his car swerving and running a red light.

After being pulled over the councilman reportedly acknowledged he had been drinking and mentioned the council to the officer.

In the footage Mr Vance can be heard saying "City Council." The officer questioned what he meant before he repeated the phrase. This time the officer responds, "What about city council?"

Mr Vance then said," Nothing... I'm on the city council."

KFOR-TV reports that the councilman failed a sobriety test on the scene, was arrested and taken back to the station where he allegedly blew 0.18 on a breathalyser test.

It was there that Mr Vance allegedly raised his council position again.

According to KFOR News 4, Vance can be heard on the body camera footage saying: "All I can tell you all is you all just be as nice as you can to me because I am on the city council".

It's alleged he offered to pay a fine and told them they could even repossess his car.

"If you're a city council member, or another elected official, or a member of some sort of other city or governmental agency, that does not make you above the law," said Anadarko Police Chief Tracy Roles.

The Mayor of Anadarko, Kyle Eastwood, told KFOR over the phone: "If the allegations are accurate, I would find that to be inappropriate for an elected official. But Mr. Vance is accountable to his constituents, and matters like this should be resolved at the ballot box".

The matter continues to be investigated by local authorities.