PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Newly released police body camera video shows the arrest of a South Jersey mayor accused of driving drunk while her 2-year-old son was in the back seat.
The video shows officers approaching Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca in her driveway around 5:40 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.
Police said they received reports of a car swerving in and out of the road. Video shows damage to the car’s side mirror. When asked how that happened, she replied, “I don’t know.”
During a field sobriety test, LaPlaca stumbles and loses her balance. Then, officers searched her car and found a water bottle filled with alcohol and a small liquor bottle.
body cam video
She admitted to drinking vodka before picking her son up from day care, she told officers in the video.
LaPlaca was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and endangering the welfare of a child.
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During a township committee meeting last week, residents called on LaPlaca to resign. The township solicitor told residents that the committee doesn’t have the legal authority to remove her.