California State Senator Ben Hueso Arrested for DUI
California State Sen. Ben Hueso was arrested in Sacramento early Friday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The California Highway Patrol stopped Hueso, a Democrat that represents San Diego in the 40th Senate District seat, at 2:24 a.m. after he was spotted driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street near the state Capitol, said CHP Officer Julie Powell said according to the Los Angeles Times.
She said that the 44-year-old politician was driving a state car, which was a white Ford Fusion.
"The officers observed objective signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication," Powell said.
She added that a subsequent field investigation determined that Hueso was under the influence of alcohol and "unable to safely operate the vehicle."
Hueso was then arrested and booked into Sacramento County Jail at 3:27 a.m., according to jail records.
Hueso was released around noon on Friday from police custody after posting his bail, which was set at $1,482.
"I think I have the right to pursue my innocence and that's what I'm going to do," Hueso told reporters outside of the county jail, according to NBC San Diego.
Later on, his office released the following statement via email:
"I am truly and profoundly sorry for the unacceptably poor personal judgment which I demonstrated last night. As someone who cares deeply about the public safety, I sincerely apologize to my family, my constituents and my colleagues in the Senate for breaching the trust they've all placed in me. I accept complete personal responsibility for my actions and any punishments that ultimately come my way as a result of this incident. I will also engage in immediate, corrective actions to ensure this kind of personal conduct is never repeated."
The lawmaker is facing two possible misdemeanor charges, including operating a vechile with a blood alcohol level greater than .08.
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