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Body camera footage shows Democratic lawmaker failing roadside sobriety tests
A democratic legislator was caught on a physique digital camera from the police after he reportedly drove disabled, and the authorities observed that the eyes of the State Consultant of Connecticut had been ‘crimson and glossy’.
Rep. Aundré Bumgardner, a Democrat that served within the Connecticut Home of Representatives, was arrested on Sunday morning and accused of driving a car whereas he was obtained inebriated and reckless driving, in line with a police report obtained by Fox Information Digital.
Fox Information Digital reached for the Bumgardner workplace for remark.
“Final night time I used to be cited for driving a motorized vehicle whereas I used to be beneath the affect,” Bumgardner mentioned in a press release on Monday. “I take full accountability for my actions and remorse this error deeply. I’m grateful that nobody has brought about injury and that no coincidence has occurred.”
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Rep. Aundré Bumgardner was arrested for alleged driving beneath the affect and reckless driving in Groton, Conn., Sunday 2 March 2025. (Metropolis of Groton Police Division)
Bumgardner, 30, initially mentioned officers that he “had crushed one thing in the best way” and returned residence from an “occasion” with voters, in line with the report.
Authorities famous that one of many entrance tires of his car was flat and “hardly keep on the sting”, and the eyes of Bumgardner had been “crimson and glossy” with a “sturdy scent of an alcoholic drink that jumped out of his breath whereas spoke.”
The report famous that Bumgardner appeared “very nervous”, “had a slight blemish in his speech” and initially denied one thing to drink when he was questioned.
Physique digital camera pictures present rep. Aundré Bumgardner whereas performing an austerity take a look at alongside the street after the authorities suspected that he was driving beneath the affect in Groton, Conn., Sunday 2 March 2025. (Metropolis of Groton Police Division)
Bodycamer statues of the incident, obtained by FOX Information Digital, reveals Bumgardner repeatedly failing with a number of austerity assessments alongside the street as a girl, later recognized by authorities reminiscent of his spouse, slept within the backseat of the automotive.
Bumgardner may be seen within the pictures that stumble as a result of he can not observe the directions of the officer through the assessments. The report states that Bumgardner has made 4 makes an attempt to finish a normal “Stroll and Flip” take a look at and was not profitable.
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After a number of failed makes an attempt to finish an train the place Bumgardner needed to stand on one foot, he’s instructed that he says the officer: “I am sorry, sir. I am probably not a balancer.”
See the: Physique Digital camera pictures present Bumgardner at a Connecticut police station after his arrest
Bumgardner was arrested, fascinated and transported to the Groton Police Division, the place he contacted his lawyer. Officers took the spouse of Bumgardner, who had slept by the assembly, at residence.
Throughout the reserving course of Bumgardner pointed to the officer’s physique digital camera and mentioned, “It felt very invasive for him” and gave the impression to be evasive when he was requested to signal him about his rights, in line with the report.
Bumgardner’s allow was withdrawn 24 hours and he was launched after he had been ordered to seem in court docket subsequent week.
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Rep. Aundré Bumgardner calls on his lawyer after he has been arrested for supposed driving beneath the affect and reckless driving in Groton, Conn., Sunday 2 March 2025. (Metropolis of Groton Police Division)
Bumgardner has been faraway from his management positions and fee assignments “till additional discover”, says Rep. Matt Ritter, the chairman of the Connecticut Home of Representatives, confirmed to Fox Information Digital.
“I’m disenchanted and discouraged after listening to rep. Bumgardner’s arrest for driving beneath the affect,” Ritter mentioned in a press release. “I spoke with Aundré and he understands that he has to take full accountability and work day-after-day to regain the belief of his voters and colleagues. Aundré is a devoted and compassionate younger man, and it’s clear to speak to him that he has this very severe mistake.”
Bumgardner was re-elected in the home in 2022 and serves because the assistant majority chief of the Democratic Caucus of the home. He’s additionally a member of the committees for monetary, surroundings, power and transport.
“I acknowledge the seriousness of this example and am dedicated to taking the required steps to make sure that it by no means occurs once more,” mentioned Bumgardner. “To my household, pals, colleagues and the inhabitants of the forty first district, which I’m honored to serve, I sincerely apologize for my actions and the frustration that I’ve brought about.”