In a recent development that has caused a stir in California’s political circles, State Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.
Carrillo, who represents the 51st Assembly District, was involved in a car crash prior to her arrest. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, November 3, 2023.
According to the police, Carrillo was taken into custody around 2:30 am after they responded to a collision involving at least two stopped vehicles. The Assemblymember was alone in her car at the time of the incident. The police conducted a field sobriety test, which she failed, leading to her arrest. From the LA Times:
Police responded around 1:30 a.m. to the 6200 block of Monterey Road, where a motorist had struck two parked cars, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the incident but was not authorized to speak publicly about it and requested anonymity. A spokesperson for the LAPD issued a summary of the arrest that said Carrillo was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence and being involved in a traffic collision while having a high blood-alcohol count.
LAPD Capt. Kelly Muniz said that the charge of having a high blood-alcohol count indicates the suspect’s alcohol level was “double the legal limit or more.”
Carrillo was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI and was later released on her own recognizance. The case will be referred to the city attorney’s office, which will decide whether to file charges.
The incident comes as Carrillo is in the midst of a campaign for a seat on the Los Angeles City Council. She is seeking to unseat incumbent Kevin de Leon in the 14th District. It remains unclear how this incident will impact her campaign.
This is not the first time a California Democrat has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Earlier this year, State Senator Dave Min was also arrested on similar charges, and Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was arrested on DUI charges in 2022.
Pelosi, too, was found by police after becoming involved in a traffic accident. He ultimately pleaded guilty to the case, as Valiant News reported:
Pelosi, who entered his guilty plea through his attorneys without making an appearance in court, will be required to serve three years of probation.
The terms of Pelosi’s probation also include five days in jail, according remarks made by Judge Joseph Solga at the Napa County Superior Court as the sentence was read.
