FERRIDAY — Local pastor and Ferriday mayoral candidate Justin Conner was charged Tuesday with driving while intoxicated.

Louisiana State Police Master Trooper Scott Moreau said Conner, 43, 210 Hayes Alley, Ferriday, was pulled over at approximately 11:17 p.m. on U.S. 84 east of Ferriday.

Conner reportedly refused to perform a Breathalyzer test and was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense), speeding, open container violation and no driver’s license on person.

He was released on a bond of $3,104.

Conner qualified Wednesday to run for mayor of Ferriday in the March election. Conner previously has run unsuccessfully for Ferriday mayor.

In 2013, Conner pleaded guilty to three charges including reckless operation of a vehicle involving an auto accident.

On July 22, 2013, Conner was cited for careless operation and for not wearing a seat belt after he reportedly crashed his vehicle into the foundation of a house under construction on Alabama Street, causing extensive damage to both the vehicle and the structure. At the time, Conner stated that the crash was due to exhaustion.

The case became controversial after two Vidalia Police Department officers who worked the accident were placed on non-paid administrative leave while the VPD investigated if the officers responded properly. They were later relieved of duty as two of 14 employees of the City of Vidalia laid off later that year.