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CHARLOTTE -- The former head of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority is in trouble with the law after being arrested Tuesday night on drunken driving and hit-and-run charges on Interstate 77 near LaSalle Street.

The Highway Patrol says Newman hit somebody in traffic then tried to get away, but didn't get very far. Trooper Rose wrote in his report he smelled a strong odor of alcohol when he approached Newman.

Newman admitted to the officer he drank two beers after eventually submitting to a sobriety test. His blood-alcohol content came back at 0.14.

The former head of the CRVA has dealt with a number of big issues in the city. He led a team to win the NASCAR Hall of Fame bid, although he later admitted he inflated the expected number of annual visitors to seal the deal.

As recently as last year, Newman was also a part of the charge to bring the 2012 Democratic National Convention to Charlotte. That's when problems started adding up.

His leadership was questioned following dealings with the CIAA. Late last year, he was removed as CEO and resigned earlier this year.

We were unable to locate Newman for comment.

The CRVA is still paying him $9,500 every other week as part of a severance deal. A source tells News 14 Carolina that Newman will receive those payments through September.

In response to the arrest, CRVA wrote, “Tim Newman is no longer an employee of CRVA and has not been since Feb. 24. It would be inappropriate for us to comment on any personal situation.”

Newman's court date is scheduled for July 5.

Listen to the 911 call