Mayor Arrested For DUI Caught Demanding Chief On Bodycam

Police department building with brick exterior and signage.

New Jersey Democratic Mayor Gina LaPlaca was caught on police bodycam footage staggering, failing sobriety tests, and demanding officers call the police chief while being arrested for DUI with her toddler in the car on St. Patrick’s Day.

Key Takeaways

Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca was arrested for DUI on March 17 after a 911 call reported her erratic driving.
Bodycam footage shows LaPlaca struggling to maintain balance, failing field sobriety tests, and later admitting to alcohol consumption.
Officers discovered a water bottle filled with alcohol and a small liquor bottle in her vehicle.
LaPlaca faces multiple charges including DUI, child endangerment, and reckless driving as her young son was in the car during the incident.
Her husband has acknowledged her struggles with addiction and stated she is seeking treatment.

Mayor’s Arrest Captured on Police Bodycam

Newly released police bodycam footage reveals the details of Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca’s arrest for allegedly driving drunk with her toddler in the car on St. Patrick’s Day. The incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. on March 17, when officers responded to a 911 call reporting erratic driving. Police approached LaPlaca in the driveway of her home as she was removing her young son from his car seat. The Democratic mayor can be seen visibly unsteady on her feet in the footage, struggling to maintain her balance while speaking with officers.

The bodycam video shows an officer asking LaPlaca, “Are you OK?” to which she replied, “Yes, I am,” before immediately staggering and losing her balance. Her vehicle showed clear signs of a recent collision, with the side-view mirror completely crushed. When questioned about the damage, LaPlaca vaguely mentioned hitting something but provided no further details about any accident. A witness had reported her erratic driving to police and provided her license plate number, leading officers to her residence.

Failed Field Sobriety Tests and Evidence of Alcohol

During the encounter, officers conducted standard field sobriety tests, which LaPlaca failed. The footage shows her visibly struggling to stand on one leg as part of the testing. Initially, she denied consuming alcohol, telling officers, “No, I’m good,” but later admitted to drinking. As the situation escalated and officers determined she was impaired, LaPlaca began crying as they placed her in handcuffs. The bodycam captures her emotional state deteriorating as the reality of the arrest set in.

“Can I please go home and see my son?” LaPlaca is heard pleading in the footage as officers explained the charges against her.

Further complicating matters, officers reportedly discovered a water bottle filled with alcohol and a small liquor bottle inside her vehicle. These discoveries, combined with her failed sobriety tests and visible impairment, led to her being charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, endangering the welfare of a child, and driving with an expired license. After processing, LaPlaca was released with a summons to appear in court on April 28.

Mayor Demands Chief Contact and Family Response

During her arrest, LaPlaca consented to a breathalyzer test but also requested that officers contact the township’s Chief of Police. This request, captured on the bodycam footage, has drawn additional scrutiny as it could be perceived as an attempt to use her position of authority to influence the situation. The footage shows LaPlaca repeatedly asking officers to call the chief while they processed her arrest, adding another layer of controversy to the incident.

“Millions of Americans struggle with addiction and never get help. Gina LaPlaca is someone who has struggled, and is now getting the help she needs,” stated her husband Jason Carty in a public response to the incident.

Following the release of the footage, LaPlaca’s husband issued a statement on Facebook acknowledging her struggles with addiction and informing the public that she is seeking professional help. He urged community members to support her recovery process and reminded them of her contributions to Lumberton Township. The incident has sparked significant concern among residents about leadership and accountability, with many questioning whether LaPlaca can effectively continue in her role as mayor while addressing her personal challenges.