PORTLAND (AP) – A Portland School Committee member failed to set a good example for students following an arrest that capped a night out on the town, but he hopes he’ll be able to keep his seat on the board.

Jason Toothaker, 24, was charged with misdemeanor theft after he allegedly failed to pay a $4.65 taxi fare and then ran from police officers early Saturday.

Toothaker, who was arrested after he was found hiding under a deck, said he was so drunk he doesn’t remember the cab ride or running from police.

“I’m sorry about what happened. I feel stupid for what happened,” said Toothaker, who had no money in his wallet at the time of the cab ride.

Toothaker, who is one of four Green Independent Party members on the nine-member School Committee, said he plans to seek counseling for stress-related issues at the University of Southern Maine, where he is a student.

Committee Chairman John Coyne said he discussed the incident with Superintendent Mary Jo O’Connor. O’Connor said she planned to discuss the situation with the committee’s lawyer.