New Jersey mayor seen stumbling during drink-driving arrest with young son in car
In bodycam footage, officer can be heard saying mayor Gina LaPlaca's blood alcohol level was so high, she had to go to the hospital.
Monday 31 March 2025 07:40, UK
A mayor in New Jersey was filmed stumbling and losing her balance while being arrested on suspicion of drink-driving with her young son in the car.
Bodycam footage released by the police shows officers approaching Lumberton mayor Gina LaPlaca outside her home on St Patrick's Day.
She is seen taking her son, who she had picked up from daycare, out of his car seat before losing her balance at least twice.
A Lumberton Township Police officer is heard telling her: "We had multiple claims that you ran a red light, you were swerving."
"Oh, I'm sorry," LaPlaca replied.
A witness shared video with police of LaPlaca driving erratically, almost hitting a utility pole, according to a police summons.
In the police footage, her wing mirror of her car is damaged.
During a field sobriety test - used by police forces in some countries to determine whether a person is fit to drive - LaPlaca was asked to balance on one leg and was seen losing her balance.
Inside her car, police found a water bottle with alcohol and a small bottle of spirits.
At the police station, an officer can be heard saying her blood alcohol level was so high that she had to go to the hospital.
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Residents in Lumberton have now asked her to resign.
"There is a huge black eye and black cloud over our town right now," said Amy Callahan, a Lumberton business owner, according to Sky's partner network, NBC News.
"I do believe that we need to move forward as a community and for us to truly turn the page. I believe that cannot occur with her on our council."
Committee member Terrance Benson echoed calls for her to leave office.
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"My personal opinion is for the mayor to step down and to heal herself," Mr Benson said.
LaPlaca's husband, Jason Carty, posted on social media after her arrest, saying she's struggled with addiction.
Her court date is set for 15 April.