A Democrat state lawmaker was arrested for allegedly driving while impaired as his wife slept in the backseat.

“Connecticut Democratic Rep. Aundré Bumgardner was caught on body camera failing a sobriety test,” Fox News reports.

Bumgardner, 30, was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving.

According to the New York Post, the Connecticut state representative allegedly had a blood alcohol content two times higher than the legal limit.

Fox News reports:

Bumgardner, 30, initially told officers he had “struck something” in the road and was returning home from an “event” with constituents, according to the report.

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Authorities noted one of his vehicle’s front tires was flat and “barely staying on the rim,” and Bumgardner’s eyes were “red and glossy” with a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath as he spoke.”

The report noted Bumgardner “appeared to be very nervous,” “had a slight slur in his speech” and initially denied having anything to drink when questioned.

Body camera footage of the incident, obtained by Fox News Digital, shows Bumgardner repeatedly failing multiple roadside sobriety tests as a woman, later identified by authorities as his wife, was asleep in the backseat of the car.

Bumgardner can be seen in the footage stumbling as he is unable to follow the officer’s instructions throughout the tests. The report states Bumgardner made four attempts to complete a standard “walk and turn” test and did not pass.

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From the New York Post:

Bumgardner — who was elected at 20 years old, making him the youngest state rep in Connecticut’s history — put out an apology and said he is dedicated to making things right, but he did not specify what exactly he plans to do.

“Last night, I was cited for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. I take full responsibility for my actions and deeply regret this mistake. I am grateful that no one was harmed and that no accident occurred,” Bumgardner wrote in a statement Monday.

“I recognize the seriousness of this situation and am committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure it never happens again. To my family, friends, colleagues, and the residents of the 41st District, whom I am honored to serve, I sincerely apologize for my actions and the disappointment I have caused.”

Groton town police did not release more details about the incident.

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Following his arrest, Bumgardner, an assistant majority leader in the state House of Representatives, was stripped of his assignments and suspended from all committees, according to Speaker of the House Matt Ritter.

Three other state representatives found themselves in similarly unfit states behind the wheel in 2023, according to Connecticut Insider.

State Rep. Geoff Luxenberg, deputy leader of the House Democratic caucus, was arrested on Nov. 16, 2023 and charged with driving a vehicle while under the influence.

 

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