A Democratic lawmaker was caught on a police physique digital digital camera after allegedly driving impaired, and authorities well-known the Connecticut state advisor’s eyes have been “red and glossy.”
Rep. Aundré Bumgardner, a Democrat serving throughout the Connecticut House of Representatives, was arrested Sunday morning and charged with working a automotive whereas drunk and reckless driving, in response to a police report obtained by Fox News Digital.
Fox News Digital reached out to Bumgardner’s office for comment.
“Last night, I was cited for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence,” Bumgardner acknowledged in a press launch Monday. “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.”
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Rep. Aundré Bumgardner was arrested for allegedly driving beneath the have an effect on and driving recklessly in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (Town of Groton Police Department)
Bumgardner, 30, initially instructed officers he had “struck something” throughout the freeway and was returning dwelling from an “event” with constituents, in response to the report.
Authorities well-known definitely considered one of his automotive’s entrance tires was flat and “barely staying on the rim,” and Bumgardner’s eyes have been “red and glossy” with a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath as he spoke.”
The report well-known Bumgardner “appeared to be very nervous,” “had a slight slur in his speech” and initially denied having one thing to drink when questioned.
Body digital digital camera footage reveals Rep. Aundré Bumgardner as he performs a roadside sobriety verify after authorities suspected he was driving beneath the have an effect on in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (Town of Groton Police Department)
Body digital digital camera footage of the incident, obtained by Fox News Digital, reveals Bumgardner repeatedly failing quite a few roadside sobriety checks as a lady, later acknowledged by authorities as his partner, was asleep throughout the backseat of the auto.
Bumgardner is likely to be seen throughout the footage stumbling as he’s unable to adjust to the officer’s instructions all by means of the checks. The report states Bumgardner made 4 makes an try to complete an peculiar “walk and turn” verify and didn’t go.
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After quite a few failed makes an try at ending an prepare that required Bumgardner to face on one foot, he is likely to be heard telling the officer, “I’m sorry sir. I’m not much of a balancer.”
SEE IT: Body digital digital camera footage reveals Bumgardner at a Connecticut police station after his arrest
Bumgardner was positioned beneath arrest, handcuffed and transported to the Groton Police Department, the place he contacted his authorized skilled. Officers took Bumgardner’s partner, who had slept through the encounter, dwelling.
During the reserving course of, Bumgardner pointed on the officer’s physique digital digital camera, saying “it felt very invasive to him” and appeared to be evasive when requested to sign paperwork informing him of his rights, in response to the report.
Bumgardner’s license was revoked for 24 hours, and he was launched after being ordered to look in courtroom docket subsequent week.
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Rep. Aundré Bumgardner calls his lawyer after being arrested for allegedly driving beneath the have an effect on and driving recklessly in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (Town of Groton Police Department)
Bumgardner has been away from his administration positions and committee assignments “until further notice,” State Rep. Matt Ritter, the speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives, confirmed to Fox News Digital.
“I am disappointed and disheartened after hearing of Rep. Bumgardner’s arrest for driving under the influence,” Ritter acknowledged in a press launch. “I have spoken with Aundré, and he understands that he must take full responsibility and work every day to win back the trust of his constituents and colleagues. Aundré is a dedicated and compassionate young man, and it is clear from talking to him that he is owning this very serious mistake.”
Bumgardner was re-elected to the House in 2022 and serves as a result of the assistant majority chief of the House Democratic caucus. He’s moreover a member of the Finance, Environment, Energy and Transportation committees.
“I recognize the seriousness of this situation and am committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure it never happens again,” Bumgardner acknowledged. “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.”
