A Democrat was caught on a police body camera allegedly driving a disabled person, but authorities said the Connecticut representative's eyes were “red and shiny.”
Aundré Bumgardner, a Democrat serving in the Connecticut House of Representatives, was arrested Sunday morning and charged with operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving, according to a police report obtained by Fox News Digital.
Fox News Digital has contacted Bumgardner's office for comment.
“Last night I was quoted for driving a car while being affected,” Bamgardner said in a statement Monday. “I take full responsibility for my actions and I deeply regret this mistake. I am grateful that no one was harmed and that no coincidence occurred.”
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Rep. Aundré Bumgardner was arrested on Sunday, March 2, 2025 in Groton, Connecticut on suspicion of driving under influence and recklessly driving. (City of Groton Police Station)
According to the report, Bamgardner, 30, first told officers he had “hit something” and had returned home from an “event” with constituents.
Authorities said one of his vehicle's front tires was flat and “barely staying on the rim,” and Bumgardner's eyes were “red and shiny” with a “strong smell of alcoholic drink emanating from breath, as he spoke.”
The report said Bamgardner “appeared to be extremely nervous” and denied drinking anything when initially asked, “he had a slight slur in his speech.”
Body camera footage shows Rep. Aundré Bumgardner on Sunday, March 2, 2025, when he conducted a roadside sobriety test after authorities suspected he was driving in Groton, Connecticut. (City of Groton Police Station)
Body camera footage of the incident, obtained by Fox News Digital, shows Bumgardner repeatedly failed multiple roadside sobriety tests as a woman.
Bumgardner can be seen in stumbling footage as he is unable to follow executive instructions throughout the test. The report states that Bumgardner made four attempts to complete the standard “walk and turn” test but failed.
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After many failed attempts to complete an exercise that required Bumgardner to stand on one leg, he replied, “Sorry.
Watch it: Body camera footage shows Bumgardner at Connecticut State Police Station after arrest
Bamgardner was arrested, handcuffed and taken to the Groton Police Station, where he contacted his attorney. The officer took Bamgardner's wife with him.
During the booking process, Bamgardner pointed to the officer's body camera and said, “I felt that he was very invasive,” and according to the report, it appeared evasive when asked to sign documents informing him of his rights.
Bumgardner's license was revoked for 24 hours and he was released after being ordered to appear in court next week.
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Rep. Aundré Bumgardner will call his attorney on Sunday, March 2, 2025, after being arrested for driving under influence and recklessly driving under the influence in Groton, Connecticut. (City of Groton Police Station)
Bumgardner was removed from his leadership position and committee assignments, as “until further notice” by Connecticut House Speaker, State Representative Matt Ritter, confirmed with Fox News Digital.
“After hearing that MP Bamgardner had been arrested for driving under the influence, I was disappointed and disappointed,” Ritter said in a statement. “I spoke with Andre and he understands that he must take full responsibility and work every day to regain the trust of his members and colleagues. Andre is a dedicated and caring young man and it is clear from telling him that he owns this very serious mistake.”
Bamgardner was re-elected to the home in 2022 and is the assistant majority leader of the House Democrats Caucus. He is also a member of the Financial, Environment, Energy and Transportation Committee.
“I recognize the severity of this situation and am committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure that it doesn't happen again,” Bamgardner said. “I sincerely apologize to my family, friends, colleagues and to my District 41 residents who are honored to serve, for my actions and the disappointment I have caused.”
