The newly released bodycam footage shows the moments of New Jersey Mayor Gina Laplaka Staggers, who begins to cry after being arrested and allegedly driving with a toddler on St. Patrick's Day.
Officers approached the mayor of Lumberton Township in her home's driveway around 5:40pm on March 17, after residents involved called 911 to report footage released by Lumberton Police.
Officers leave the police car and wait for the 45-year-old Democratic mayor to take his son, who has just picked up from the car seat.
“Are you okay?” one officer asks the mayor, she lifts a toddler from a BMW sedan.
“Yes, I am,” replies Laplaka – she quickly loses her balance and staggers into the car.
The officer then asks about her side view mirror.
Laplaka tells the officer that her mirror has been damaged, but then she vaguely says, “I don't know.”
The officer then gives her a field sobriety test where she can be seen stumbling again when asked to stand on one leg.
Laplaka then begins to cry when the officer places her in handcuffs, footage shows.
“Sorry,” she told the officer.
While investigating Laplaca's car, officers allegedly found a water bottle filled with alcohol and a small bottle of liquor.
She was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
Police also accused Laplaka of reckless driving and putting the welfare of children in danger, according to court records seen by the Post.
She was released on a subpoena for appearance in court on April 28th.
