Krista Perez’s DUI Arrest
Krista Perez, a Democrat in Washington state running for a House seat, was captured on police footage admitting to consuming wine, opting out of field sobriety tests, and expressing a desire to go home prior to an emotional moment in the back of a patrol car following her DUI arrest.
In the primary for the 29th Legislative District, Perez secured the top spot last month, and she is set to compete against the incumbent, fellow Democrat Melanie Morgan, in the upcoming November election.
According to Tacoma Police, the incident occurred when Perez’s 2019 Chevrolet Silverado reportedly collided with a parked car on South G Street shortly after midnight on August 11, triggering damage to as many as five vehicles.
She has been charged with DUI, which includes enhancements due to her refusal to cooperate during the arrest process.
In the body camera footage, police can be seen questioning Perez shortly after the crash. She repeatedly claimed she was confused about what had happened and insisted she hadn’t been in any accident.
“Did you get into an accident here?” an officer asked.
“I did not,” Perez responded, maintaining that she was unaware of an accident occurring.
When asked about her level of alcohol consumption, she admitted to having had some wine but said it was only a single glass. However, when pressed about the size of the glass, she jokingly suggested the officer should contact the business where she drank.
As the officer inquired about her sobriety, Perez expressed a desire to go home first, showing reluctance to participate in the sobriety tests offered, which the officer repeatedly noted were voluntary.
Despite these reassurances, Perez opted out of the tests, stating, “I’d like to go home first.” Ultimately, she was informed of her arrest for DUI and instructed to put her hands behind her back.
Throughout her interaction with law enforcement, she displayed confusion about her situation, stating she did not understand the implications of her arrest.
Under Washington law, individuals can decline roadside sobriety tests without automatic penalty; however, prosecutors are focusing on her alleged inability to provide a breath sample after multiple attempts at the police department.
Inside the patrol car, she was seen sobbing and praying for assistance, pleading, “Help me, God. Help me. Holy Spirit, help me, God,” as she sat in distress for several minutes.
Interestingly, state legislation does not prevent someone charged with DUI from serving as a legislator. Some Democrats have retained their positions after similar incidents, including House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, who acknowledged drinking before a legislative hearing earlier this year and expressed regret over his actions.
Fitzgibbon stated at the time, “I made a poor choice last night by drinking alcohol before we had finished our work for the day. I am disappointed in myself and take responsibility for that poor choice. It won’t happen again, and I’m committed to completing my work this session without alcohol.”
