Newly launched physique digital camera video exhibits the moments a New Jersey mayor was arrested for drunk driving whereas her son was within the automotive along with her on St. Patrick’s Day.
Police in Lumberton responded to the house of Mayor Gina LaPlaca after a involved resident referred to as 9-1-1 to report that she was driving erratically.
Within the new video, officers get out of the patrol automobiles round 5:40 p.m. on March 17 and strategy LaPlaca in her driveway.
Officers wait whereas she takes her son, who she had simply picked up from day care, out of his automotive seat. Within the physique digital camera video, LaPlaca is seen shedding her stability twice.
The mirror on the passenger aspect of her automobile is visibly broken.
When requested, LaPlaca informed officers she first mentioned her mirror had been broken, however then admitted that she hit one thing. When the officer pressed additional, LaPlaca mentioned, “I don’t know.”
The officers have her carry out area sobriety checks the place she might be seen stumbling once more and lose her stability.
Whereas investigating inside LaPlaca’s automotive, the officers discover a water bottle crammed with alcohol and a small liquor bottle.
LaPlaca is taken into custody and charged with driving underneath the affect in addition to different associated offenses.
On the police station, LaPlaca is informed by the officers that they’ve movies displaying her driving erratically and he or she is informed in regards to the costs in opposition to her.
Final week, the neighborhood and a member of the Lumberton Township Committee requested that LaPlaca resign from her position as mayor.
The city’s legal professional informed the group that legally, underneath NJ legislation and township code, there may be nothing the committee can do to take away Mayor LaPlaca as an individual on the committee.
NBC10 beforehand reached out to Mayor LaPlaca for remark, however haven’t heard again.
Mayor LaPlaca has a court docket date scheduled for April 15, 2025.
