Shocking police bodycam footage has been released showing Gina LaPlaca, the Democrat mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) with her toddler in the car.
The footage, taken on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, shows LaPlaca staggering and eventually breaking down in tears as officers detain her. She was charged with driving under the influence and endangering the welfare of a child after multiple reports claimed she was driving recklessly.
As officers approach, LaPlaca removes her young son from the vehicle, whom she had reportedly just picked up from daycare. The mayor appears visibly unsteady, struggling to maintain her balance several times. Meanwhile, the passenger-side mirror of her vehicle is shattered, with a dangling wire swaying in the wind.
“We got lots of calls where we had multiple claims that you ran a red light and you were swerving,” an officer informs LaPlaca. She simply responds, “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“What happened to the mirror?” another officer asks, pointing to the damaged side-view mirror.
LaPlaca admits to hitting something but seems unsure of what exactly she struck.
Officers then administer a field sobriety test, which she appears to fail, stumbling as she attempts to stand on one leg. Moments later, police place her in handcuffs as she whimpers and apologizes.
A search of her vehicle reportedly turned up a water bottle filled with alcohol and a small bottle of liquor.
LaPlaca has since been released from jail and is scheduled to appear in court for her DUI on April 28.
