State Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo Arrested on Suspected DUI, Running for L.A. City Council

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
03/11/2023 22h34

State Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, who is running for a seat on the Los Angeles City Council, was arrested in Northeast Los Angeles early Friday morning on suspicion of drunk driving, according to the Los Angeles Times. The incident occurred at around 1:30 a.m., when Carrillo allegedly struck two parked cars on Monterey Road.

Carrillo, 43, was apprehended at 1:35 a.m. and subsequently booked a few hours later, as per inmate records posted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The LAPD spokesperson released a summary stating that Carrillo was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and being involved in a traffic collision with a high blood-alcohol count.

LAPD Capt. Kelly Muniz confirmed that Carrillo's alcohol level was "double the legal limit or more." This evidence suggested that Carrillo's intoxication posed a significant risk to herself and other road users.

According to reports, Carrillo was grateful that no one was injured during the incident and provided a statement expressing her willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement.

Carrillo, who represents an Eastside Assembly district after being elected in 2017, is competing in the upcoming March city election to unseat Councilmember Kevin de León, in a district that spans from downtown L.A. to El Sereno and Eagle Rock.

This arrest comes just six months after another state legislator, State Sen. Dave Min, was arrested on similar charges of drunk driving in Sacramento. Min, a Democrat running for an Orange County congressional seat, later admitted to his irresponsible behavior and accepted a citation for misdemeanor DUI.

The incidents involving Carrillo and Min serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behavior, particularly for those holding public office. With the election approaching, Carrillo's arrest could have implications for her candidacy, as voters may question her ability to serve effectively.

The Los Angeles City Council is expected to closely monitor the outcome of Carrillo's case, as it may influence her standing in the race for City Council seats. The candidate's legal situation will undoubtedly impact public perception and raise concerns about her commitment to upholding the law.

As the investigation progresses, it remains uncertain how this arrest will affect Carrillo's political aspirations. The upcoming city election will shape the course of local leadership, and voters will weigh this incident alongside her experience and platform.

The Office of the Los Angeles City Council has yet to release an official statement on the matter, waiting until they have gathered more information. The city and its constituents will now closely watch Carrillo's actions and response to the charges in the aftermath of this incident.

David Zahniser, a reporter covering Los Angeles City Hall for the Los Angeles Times, contributed to this article.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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