A North Dakota state lawmaker has been arrested and cited for driving under the influence (DUI), along with other charges, after making discriminatory remarks towards a police officer during the incident. Republican Representative Nico Rios was pulled over by the Williston Police Department on December 15 after his vehicle failed to stay in its lane.

According to the police report, Rios displayed signs of impairment during the investigation, including slurred speech and difficulty constructing sentences. As the testing progressed, Rios became verbally abusive, using homophobic and racial slurs towards one of the officers. The report also stated that Rios refused to submit to a screening test, leading to his arrest.

Footage from the body camera worn by one of the officers captured the incident, with Rios using a homophobic slur during the traffic stop and later making derisive comments about the officer's nationality. In the video, Rios questioned the officer's accent and proceeded to express inflammatory views about immigration and the safety of the community.

"Inebriated or not, my actions and words to law enforcement that night were absolutely unacceptable," said Rep. Rios in a statement to CNN. "Just two cops doing their jobs... I owe it to myself, my district, and everyone, and I vow to make sure this never happens again."

Despite Rios' apology, he is scheduled to appear in court on January 4, according to the police report. However, no information regarding the status of his case was found in the North Dakota Courts online database at the time of reporting.

The North Dakota Republican Party has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident. CNN has also reached out to the state's Attorney General, Drew Wrigley, as Rios allegedly threatened to contact him during the arrest.

As this incident unfolds, it raises concerns about the behavior and potential consequences for elected officials. This case highlights the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions, regardless of their position.

In light of the incident, Rios expressed his commitment to supporting law enforcement moving forward. However, the ultimate repercussions for his actions will be determined pending further legal proceedings.