By Sharon Stevens

Valley Park, MO (KSDK) - The case of a local mayor in trouble with the law and with his city. Records show he's been skipping out on city council meetings, and now we've learned he was arrested for suspected drunk driving.

The man in the hot seat is Valley Park Mayor Nathan Grellner.

It happened Tuesday night in Byrnes Mill, about 12 miles from St. Louis.

Byrnes Mill police say Grellner was arrested on suspicion of DWI, but they declined to provide much else.

The 27-year-old mayor also works at the family-owned Valley Park Elevator and Hardware Store.

Valley Park attorney Eric Martin would not confirm the arrest, but he did say, "I believe he's been under a lot of pressure both with his family business and the city."

Here's what NewsChannel 5 found in a police report from Tuesday: Byrnes Mill officers spotted a late-model Ford Raptor speeding down Highway 30 near Gravois.

Police chased the driver and he finally stopped.

Officers say the suspect in the speeding car smelled of alcohol, resisted arrest, became combative, and was pepper-sprayed.

He was transported to a local hospital.

A local dealership confirms that the car driven by the suspect was sold to Grellner, and that it is in his possession.

NewsChannel 5 attempted to reach Grellner, but people at City hall said they didn't know where he was or when he would return.

Relatives at the family business say Grellner is in the hospital for stress.

Eric Martin called Grellner a fine man and a good citizen.

The suspected DWI case has been turned over to the Jefferson County prosecutor for possible charges.

KSDK