WATCH: Democratic lawmaker arrested for DUI after failing roadside sobriety check as spouse slept in backseat

A Democratic lawmaker was caught on a police physique digicam after allegedly driving impaired, and authorities famous the Connecticut state consultant’s eyes had been “purple and shiny.”

Rep. Aundré Bumgardner, a Democrat serving within the Connecticut Home of Representatives, was arrested Sunday morning and charged with working a car whereas inebriated and reckless driving, in response to a police report obtained by Fox Information Digital. 

Fox Information Digital reached out to Bumgardner’s workplace for remark.

“Final night time, I used to be cited for working a motorized vehicle whereas beneath the affect,” Bumgardner mentioned in an announcement Monday. “I take full accountability for my actions and deeply remorse this error. I’m grateful that nobody was harmed and that no accident occurred.” 

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Rep. Aundré Bumgardner was arrested for allegedly driving beneath the affect and driving recklessly in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (City of Groton Police Division)

Bumgardner, 30, initially advised officers he had “struck one thing” within the highway and was returning residence from an “occasion” with constituents, in response to the report. 

Authorities famous one in all his car’s entrance tires was flat and “barely staying on the rim,” and Bumgardner’s eyes had been “purple and shiny” with a “robust odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath as he spoke.” 

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

Physique digicam footage reveals Rep. Aundré Bumgardner as he performs a roadside sobriety check after authorities suspected he was driving beneath the affect in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (City of Groton Police Division)

Physique digicam footage of the incident, obtained by Fox Information Digital, reveals Bumgardner repeatedly failing a number of roadside sobriety exams as a girl, later recognized by authorities as his spouse, was asleep within the backseat of the automotive. 

Bumgardner might be seen within the footage stumbling as he’s unable to comply with the officer’s directions all through the exams. The report states Bumgardner made 4 makes an attempt to finish a typical “stroll and switch” check and didn’t cross. 

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After a number of failed makes an attempt at finishing an train that required Bumgardner to face on one foot, he might be heard telling the officer, “I’m sorry sir. I’m not a lot of a balancer.” 

SEE IT: Physique digicam footage reveals Bumgardner at a Connecticut police station after his arrest

Bumgardner was positioned beneath arrest, handcuffed and transported to the Groton Police Division, the place he contacted his lawyer. Officers took Bumgardner’s spouse, who had slept via the encounter, residence.  

In the course of the reserving course of, Bumgardner pointed on the officer’s physique digicam, saying “it felt very invasive to him” and seemed to be evasive when requested to signal paperwork informing him of his rights, in response to the report. 

Bumgardner’s license was revoked for twenty-four hours, and he was launched after being ordered to seem in courtroom subsequent week. 

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Rep. Aundré Bumgardner calls his lawyer after being arrested for allegedly driving beneath the affect and driving recklessly in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (City of Groton Police Division)

Bumgardner has been faraway from his management positions and committee assignments “till additional discover,” State Rep. Matt Ritter, the speaker of the Connecticut Home of Representatives, confirmed to Fox Information Digital. 

“I’m upset and disheartened after listening to of Rep. Bumgardner’s arrest for driving beneath the affect,” Ritter mentioned in an announcement. “I’ve spoken with Aundré, and he understands that he should take full accountability and work day by day to win again the belief of his constituents and colleagues. Aundré is a devoted and compassionate younger man, and it’s clear from speaking to him that he’s proudly owning this very severe mistake.”

Bumgardner was re-elected to the Home in 2022 and serves because the assistant majority chief of the Home Democratic caucus. He is additionally a member of the Finance, Atmosphere, Power and Transportation committees.

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“I acknowledge the seriousness of this case and am dedicated to taking the mandatory steps to make sure it by no means occurs once more,” Bumgardner mentioned. “To my household, mates, colleagues, and the residents of the forty first District, whom I’m honored to serve, I sincerely apologize for my actions and the frustration I’ve triggered.”