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New Jersey Mayor Arrested for Suspected DUI with Child Present
Police body camera footage has emerged showing the arrest of a New Jersey mayor on St. Patrick’s Day, charged with driving under the influence while her young son was in the vehicle. Gina LaPlaca, the Mayor of Lumberton Township, was apprehended following reports of erratic operation of a motor vehicle. The incident raises serious questions about public official conduct and child endangerment.
Arrest Follows Reports of Erratic Driving
Lumberton Township Police Department stated that Mayor Gina LaPlaca was taken into custody on March 17th after officers responded to calls concerning a vehicle being driven erratically. Newly released police video, obtained by NBC Philadelphia, documents officers arriving at her residence at approximately 5:40 p.m. The footage shows Mayor LaPlaca removing her son from his car seat after picking him up from daycare.
Body Camera Footage Shows Instability and Vehicle Damage
In the released video, Mayor LaPlaca appears unsteady, losing her balance on multiple occasions. Significant damage to the passenger side mirror of her vehicle is also visible. An officer can be heard in the recording informing her of the complaints received: “we got lots of calls where we had multiple claims that you ran a red light, you were swerving.” Mayor LaPlaca responded to the officer’s statement with, “Oh, I’m sorry.”
Field Sobriety Test and Discovery of Alcohol
Law enforcement officials administered a field sobriety test at the scene. During the test, Mayor LaPlaca is observed to lose her balance again while attempting to stand on one leg. Consequently, she was placed under arrest for suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. A subsequent search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered a water bottle containing alcohol and a small bottle of liquor.
Elevated Blood Alcohol Level and Witness Testimony
Upon arrival at the police station, Mayor LaPlaca was informed by an officer that her blood alcohol concentration was sufficiently elevated to necessitate a hospital visit. According to a police summons, a witness provided video evidence to the police department depicting Mayor LaPlaca driving erratically and nearly colliding with a utility pole.
Upcoming Court Date and Community Reaction
Mayor LaPlaca is scheduled to appear in court on April 15th. NBC News has reportedly reached out to Lumberton Township authorities, Mayor LaPlaca, and her legal representative for comments on the situation.
Calls for Resignation from Community Members
During a recent Lumberton Township Committee meeting, concerned members of the community voiced their opinions and urged Mayor LaPlaca to resign from her position.
Amy Callahan, a local business owner and Lumberton resident, was quoted by NBC Philadelphia stating, “There is a huge black eye and black cloud over our town right now. I do believe that we need to move forward as a community and for us to truly turn the page. I believe that cannot occur with her on our council.”
Terrance Benson, a fellow committee member, echoed the sentiment, adding his personal opinion that “the mayor should step down and to heal herself.”
Mayor’s Husband Addresses Addiction Struggles
Following her arrest, Mayor LaPlaca’s husband, Jason Carty, a political activist, reportedly posted on social media acknowledging her struggles with addiction, according to NBC Philadelphia.