Newly uncovered state police records provided additional details regarding a 2012 drunk driving arrest involving Representative Mike Lawler of New York.
The congressman was pulled over on March 17, 2012, while driving home from a St. Patrick’s Day event in New York City.
Lawler was 25 years old and driving a white Ford Escape SUV northbound on the Palisades Interstate Parkway.
Troopers observed the vehicle traveling 74 mph in a 55 mph zone while weaving through traffic.
State police records documented moving violations prior to the stop.
“Speeding 74 in 55 mph zone, following too closely, crossed hazard markings several times, unsafe lane change and lane change several without signals,” the report stated.
The trooper initiated a stop on an exit ramp where the vehicle stopped.
“Trooper initiated a V&T stop on said vehicle at exit 13 northbound ramp,” the trooper noted.
“Said vehicle stopped on the ramp blocking traffic,” the report added.
Lawler took a breathalyzer test indicating a blood-alcohol concentration of .14 percent.
That reading was double the legal limit of .08 percent in New York.
Lawler was charged with driving while intoxicated and pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired.
He disclosed the incident earlier this year to students in Nanuet.
Describing his reaction to the arrest, Lawler expressed deep regret.
“It was not my proudest moment,” Lawler said.
“It was something I was deeply embarrassed about,” he told the class.
Acknowledging the danger, Lawler reflected on the outcome.
“More importantly, I could’ve killed myself or someone else,” Lawler stated.
“I was grateful that I was pulled over and nobody was hurt,” he added.
Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District and faces a reelection campaign in November.