A Democratic lawmaker was caught on a police physique digital camera after allegedly driving impaired, and authorities famous the Connecticut state consultant’s eyes have been “red and glossy.”
Rep. Aundré Bumgardner, a Democrat serving within the Connecticut House of Representatives, was arrested Sunday morning and charged with working a car whereas drunk and reckless driving, in response to a police report obtained by Fox News Digital.
Fox News Digital reached out to Bumgardner’s workplace for remark.
“Last night, I was cited for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence,” Bumgardner stated in a press release 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 underneath the affect and driving recklessly in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (Town of Groton Police Department)
Bumgardner, 30, initially instructed officers he had “struck something” within the highway and was returning dwelling from an “event” with constituents, in response to the report.
Authorities famous certainly one of his car’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 famous Bumgardner “appeared to be very nervous,” “had a slight slur in his speech” and initially denied having something to drink when questioned.
Body digital camera footage reveals Rep. Aundré Bumgardner as he performs a roadside sobriety check after authorities suspected he was driving underneath the affect in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (Town of Groton Police Department)
Body digital camera footage of the incident, obtained by Fox News Digital, reveals Bumgardner repeatedly failing a number of roadside sobriety checks as a girl, later recognized by authorities as his spouse, was asleep within the backseat of the automobile.
Bumgardner might be seen within the footage stumbling as he’s unable to comply with the officer’s directions all through the checks. The report states Bumgardner made 4 makes an attempt to finish an ordinary “walk and turn” check and didn’t go.
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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 much of a balancer.”
SEE IT: Body digital camera footage reveals Bumgardner at a Connecticut police station after his arrest
Bumgardner was positioned underneath arrest, handcuffed and transported to the Groton Police Department, the place he contacted his legal professional. Officers took Bumgardner’s spouse, who had slept via the encounter, dwelling.
During the reserving course of, Bumgardner pointed on the officer’s physique digital camera, saying “it felt very invasive to him” and gave the impression 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 look in court docket subsequent week.
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Rep. Aundré Bumgardner calls his lawyer after being arrested for allegedly driving underneath the affect and driving recklessly in Groton, Conn., Sunday, March 2, 2025. (Town of Groton Police Department)
Bumgardner has been faraway from his management 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 stated in a press release. “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 because the assistant majority chief of the House Democratic caucus. He’s additionally 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 stated. “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.”
