Newly released bodycam footage captures the moment New Jersey Mayor Gina LaPlaca staggers and starts crying while being arrested for allegedly driving drunk with her toddler on St. Patrick’s Day.
Police approached the Lumberton Township mayor in the driveway of her home around 5:40 p.m. on March 17 after a concerned resident called 911 to report erratic driving, as shown in footage released by Lumberton Police.
Officers exited their patrol car and waited as the 45-year-old Democratic mayor removed her son, whom she had just picked up from daycare, from his car seat.
‘Are you OK?’
“Are you OK?” one officer asked as LaPlaca lifted her toddler from her BMW sedan.
“Yes, I am,” she replied—only to immediately lose her balance and stagger into her car.
Police then questioned her about her side-view mirror, which was completely crushed, according to the footage.
LaPlaca admitted the mirror had been damaged but also mentioned she had hit something before vaguely adding, “I don’t know.”
Officers conducted field sobriety tests, during which she stumbled when asked to stand on one leg.
LaPlaca then began crying as officers placed her in handcuffs, the footage shows.
‘I’m sorry’
“I’m sorry,” she told the officers.
While investigating her car, police allegedly discovered a water bottle filled with alcohol and a small liquor bottle.
She was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
Additional charges filed
Authorities also charged LaPlaca with reckless driving and endangering the welfare of a child, according to court records obtained by The Post.
She was released with a summons to appear in court on April 28.
