The mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, finds herself in legal turmoil following a DUI arrest with her child in the vehicle.
Breitbart reported that Gina LaPlaca, the mayor, was apprehended on St. Patrick’s Day after she exhibited signs of intoxication and failed a sobriety test, all documented on police body cam footage.
On the evening of March 17th, around 5:40 p.m., police officers responded to multiple reports about a car driving erratically through the town.
These reports included allegations of running a red light and swerving dangerously on the road. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Mayor Gina LaPlaca in her driveway, exhibiting noticeable difficulty in maintaining her balance.
As officers approached, bodycam footage captured LaPlaca staggering and visibly upset. She was immediately questioned about her driving and the noticeable damage on her vehicle.
Specifically, the car’s passenger-side view mirror was smashed, with a wire dangling from it. When asked about the incident that led to the damage, LaPlaca could only offer an apologetic “I’m sorry,” without further explanation.
Upon conducting a field sobriety test, LaPlaca failed to meet the necessary benchmarks for sober driving. This test, captured comprehensively by the police bodycam, ultimately led to her arrest.
Officers then found a water bottle containing alcohol and a small bottle of liquor inside her car, adding to the gravity of her offenses. LaPlaca was handcuffed and detained in the presence of her young son, whom she had reportedly just picked up from daycare.
The local community was unsettled by the incident, especially due to its occurrence in a residential area and involving a public official. Neighbors expressed shock and concern over the safety of LaPlaca's child, who was in the car at the time of the arrest. During the arrest, an officer compassionately asked, "You alright?" reflecting the tense and emotional nature of the situation.
Following her detention, Gina LaPlaca was taken to the local jail, where she was processed for DUI and endangering the welfare of a child.
The presence of her son in the vehicle during the incident significantly magnified the severity of the charges. LaPlaca was subsequently released from custody and is slated to make her court appearance on April 28.
Reflecting on the events, law enforcement officials reiterated the importance of public safety and adherence to traffic laws. The arresting officer recollected informing LaPlaca about the multiple claims regarding her perilous driving that prompted the police response.
As the news of the arrest disseminates, residents of Lumberton and neighboring communities brace for the potential ramifications on local governance.
The episode leaves several unanswered questions regarding leadership stability and the forthcoming legal procedures involving Mayor LaPlaca.
Gina LaPlaca, dealing with both legal and personal repercussions of her actions, has yet to make a public statement regarding her arrest.
The community, while distressed, awaits more detailed disclosures and the outcomes of the judicial proceedings, hoping for justice to prevail and for municipal governance to sustain its integrity despite these challenging times.