NJ Mayor Gina LaPlaca Arrested for DUI with Toddler in Backseat: Bodycam Footage

DUI Arrest of Mayor Gina LaPlaca

• 🚨 Mayor Gina LaPlaca of Lumberton, New Jersey, was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence with her 2-year-old son in the backseat.
• 🚗 Police responded to reports of a vehicle swerving erratically and hitting a utility pole, finding LaPlaca in her driveway as she was removing her child from the car.
• ⚠️ Body camera footage shows LaPlaca struggling to stand and admitting to picking up her child from daycare, while initially denying drinking.

Evidence and Charges

• 🍾 Officers observed significant damage to LaPlaca's car and later found a water bottle allegedly filled with alcohol and a shot glass in her vehicle.
• ⚖️ LaPlaca was charged with driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and endangering the welfare of a child.
• 🏥 Due to a high blood alcohol level, she was taken to the hospital for a medical check before being processed.

Witness Accounts and Husband's Statement

• 📹 A witness provided video footage of LaPlaca's erratic driving, noting she nearly hit a utility pole and another car.
• 💬 LaPlaca's husband, Jason Cardi, initially posted a statement on Facebook acknowledging her struggle with addiction and seeking help, but the post was later removed.
• 🏠 Cardi later told a radio station that LaPlaca had been admitted to rehab.

Community Reaction and Legal Status

• 🏘️ Despite the arrest, LaPlaca remained listed as the Mayor of Lumberton Township on the town's website at the time of the report.
• 🗣️ Public comments expressed a mix of support for her service to the community and calls for her resignation due to the personal turmoil.
• 📅 LaPlaca was due back in court on April 28th related to her DUI arrest.