Sobbing drunk NJ mayor hospitalized after 'DWI' with vodka water bottle

LUMBERTON -- Body cam footage of Mayor Gina LaPlaca's recent arrest reveals a distressing scene in her driveway, where she was seen stumbling and crying while undergoing a field sobriety test. The incident occurred on March 17 when LaPlaca was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol with her toddler in the car, as documented in a complaint obtained by New Jersey 101.5.

The police report details that LaPlaca was driving erratically, straying from her lane and nearly colliding with a utility pole. Upon their arrival, officers witnessed her removing her child from the vehicle and inquired about damage to her rearview mirror, to which she had no explanation.

The footage shows LaPlaca struggling to maintain her balance during the sobriety test, at one point nearly falling. She confessed to drinking vodka while driving, and the officers discovered a water bottle filled with vodka and multiple small liquor bottles in her vehicle. In a moment of vulnerability, she expressed remorse as she was handcuffed.

While in custody, an officer informed her that her blood alcohol level was dangerously high, necessitating a hospital visit. LaPlaca did not attend a subsequent Township Committee meeting where community members, including fellow officials, called for her resignation, although the township attorney stated that the committee lacks the authority to remove her from office.

Her husband, Jason Carty, has since confirmed that LaPlaca is currently undergoing inpatient treatment for her issues. The situation has stirred significant public concern and calls for accountability as residents grapple with the implications of their mayor's actions.