Body camera video shows Massachusetts State Rep. John Lawn denying breathalyzer test during OUI arrest
The 56-year-old Democrat who represents Watertown, Waltham, and Newton was arrested on July 16 after he was accused of driving drunk through Beacon Hill near the State House. Witnesses say they saw Lawn hit a parked pickup truck on Hancock Street near the State House before running two stop signs after 1 a.m.
The 20-minute-long video, released by Boston Police on Monday, shows Lawn using a street sign and a fence to hold himself up during his field sobriety test. During the test, Lawn could be heard slurring his speech, swaying back and forth before denying a breathalyzer test and asking to Uber home instead.
The police reporter from the day of his arrest says that officers could detect a "strong odor" of alcohol on his breath and that his eyes were "glassy and bloodshot."
The Watertown native was seen in Boston Municipal Court the next day. He originally entered a not guilty plea, but then, off camera, admitted to sufficient facts, which means that he agreed to being convicted due to the amount of evidence, but did not actually plead guilty. As a result, Lawn was given one year of probation for operating under the influence, six months for leaving the scene, and lost his license for 45 days. He was also ordered to pay $550 in fines and will receive alcohol treatment and education.
His charges will run concurrently.
Lawn spoke outside the courtroom, but refused to take any questions.
"I feel terrible. I will do all I can to make sure that I live a better life, a healthier life, and make sure nothing like this ever happens again," said Lawn.
The Massachusetts Republican Party has called on Lawn to resign. He was originally elected in 2011 and is the chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing.
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