The superintendent of Atchison public schools, who was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after he was involved in a wreck, has resigned.

Richard E. Branstrator, 68, was arrested Sept. 16 after allegedly losing control of his car and hitting two mailboxes and a tree, police said. Branstrator was given a sobriety test and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.148, nearly twice the legal limit.

“I feel it is appropriate at this time to offer my resignation as superintendent of USD 409,” Branstrator said in his written resignation Monday. “It is important that I focus on and address the issues that led me to this decision.”

Assistant Supt. Corbin Witt will serve as superintendent for the remainder of the school year. School officials plan to begin interviewing candidates in January.

Branstrator is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 19.