NJ Mayor Gina LaPlaca arrested for DUI after erratic driving. Fails
sobriety test, faces multiple charges, and calls for her resignation grow.
.jpg "NJ Mayor Gina LaPlaca DUI Arrest: Bodycam Footage & Charges")
LUMBERTON TOWNSHIP, NJ —
Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca was arrested on March 17 on DUI charges
after being caught driving erratically with her young son in the car. Bodycam
footage released by police shows the Democrat mayor failing a field sobriety
test outside her home and pleading with officers to contact the police chief.
Incident Details and Arrest
Police tracked LaPlaca to her home after a witness reported her reckless
driving and provided authorities with her license plate information. Upon
arrival, officers found LaPlaca’s blue BMW damaged, with scratches along the
side and a nearly destroyed passenger-side mirror. When questioned, she
initially denied drinking but later admitted to consuming alcohol.
During the field sobriety test, LaPlaca stumbled multiple times and was
ultimately taken into custody. Police footage also revealed an open water bottle
containing alcohol inside her vehicle. She was charged with several offenses,
including child endangerment, reckless driving, and driving with an expired
license.
Calls for Resignation
Following her arrest, LaPlaca has faced mounting pressure to resign.
Critics argue that driving under the influence, especially with a child in the
vehicle, is unacceptable for a public official.
Her husband, Jason Carty, addressed the situation on social media,
revealing that LaPlaca has struggled with addiction and is now seeking
treatment. He urged the public to recognize her past contributions to the
community rather than focus solely on the incident.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
LaPlaca is set to appear in court on April 28. The case has sparked debate
over accountability among public officials and the impact of personal struggles
on leadership roles.