UPDATE 1/25/13
IRONTON Ohio (WSAZ) – The DUI charge against the mayor of Hanging Rock was reduced to “physical control” during a hearing in Ironton Municipal Court Thursday.

The Ohio Highway Patrol arrested 43-year-old Christopher Davidson on December 9. They were assisting the Ironton Police Department in checking on a suspicious vehicle parked on Mimosa Lane in the Green Valley subdivision abut 1:40 a.m.

OHP says when officers approached the driver, they detected a strong odor of alcohol. They also said Davidson’s speech appeared to be slurred.

Mr. Davidson was arrested and charged with 1st offense misdemeanor OVI.

During Thursday’s hearing, the charge was reduced after prosecutors said there was no evidence that Davidson was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Davidson then received a 10 day suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty to the "Physical Control” charge.

The Ohio Highway Patrol says officers were called to assist the Ironton Police Department in checking on a suspicious vehicle parked on Mimosa Lane in the Green Valley subdivision abut 1:40 a.m.

OHP says when officers approached the driver, Christopher Davidson, 43, of Hanging Rock, they said they detected a strong odor of alcohol. They also said his speech appeared to be slurred.

Mr. Davidson was arrested and charged with 1st offense misdemeanor OVI and taken to the Lawrence County Jail.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge during his arraignment in Ironton Municipal Court Monday afternoon.

During the hearing a pre-trial was set for December 13, according to court officials.

Mr. Davidson is serving his third term as Hanging Rock Mayor.