California Lawmaker Wendy Carrillo Arrested on Suspicion of Drunken Driving

California Lawmaker Wendy Carrillo Arrested on Suspicion of Drunken Driving
Wendy Carrillo, D-Los Angeles, listens during the opening session of the California Assembly in Sacramento, Calif., on Jan. 4, 2023. (José Luis Villegas/AP Photo)
The Associated Press
Updated:
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SACRAMENTO, Calif.—A California legislator who is running for a seat on the Los Angeles City Council was arrested early Friday on suspicion of drunken driving, according to law enforcement and jail records.

Officers responded to a report of a traffic collision around 12:20 a.m. in Los Angeles and took Wendy Carrillo, the driver, into custody, Officer Annie Moran said. Ms. Carrillo, who represents parts of northeastern and east Los Angeles, was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence. Jail records show she was held on a misdemeanor offense.

In a statement later Friday, Ms. Carrillo said she crashed into parked vehicles and that no one was hurt. She did not directly admit to driving under the influence of alcohol.

“As a public servant, I am aware that I must adhere to a higher standard that demands personal accountability for my conduct and I accept responsibility for my actions,” Ms. Carrillo said in the statement. “I sincerely apologize to my family, constituents, colleagues and staff for any actions of mine that have fallen short of that expectation. I intend to seek the necessary help and support.”

Ms. Carrillo, a Democrat, was elected to the state Assembly in 2017. She chairs an Assembly budget subcommittee.

Carrillo’s arrest came roughly six months after Democratic state Sen. Dave Min was arrested in Sacramento for drunken driving. In June, Ms. Carrillo was also arrested in Los Angeles while participating in a protest organized by hospitality workers near Los Angeles International Airport.

A spokesperson for Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas didn’t immediately respond to a call and a text message seeking comment about Ms. Carrillo’s arrest.