Bodycam Footage Shows Mayor’s DUI Arrest And Demands

Handcuffs with red and blue dramatic lighting.

Bodycam footage captures New Jersey Mayor Gina LaPlaca failing sobriety tests and being arrested for DUI with her toddler in the car on St. Patrick’s Day, exposing a troubling incident that has now led to multiple charges including child endangerment.

Key Insights

Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca was arrested on St. Patrick’s Day after a 911 call reported her erratic driving, with responding officers finding visible damage to her vehicle.
Body camera footage shows LaPlaca staggering, failing field sobriety tests, and initially denying but later admitting to alcohol consumption.
Officers discovered alcohol containers in her vehicle, and she faces multiple charges including driving under the influence, child endangerment, and reckless driving.
Her husband has publicly acknowledged her struggle with addiction and stated she is seeking treatment.

Arrest Following Erratic Driving Report

Police responded to a 911 call about erratic driving on March 17 around 5:40 p.m., which led them to Mayor Gina LaPlaca’s driveway in Lumberton Township, New Jersey. Officers approached LaPlaca as she was removing her young son from his car seat. When asked if she was okay, LaPlaca responded, “Yes, I am,” but immediately staggered and lost her balance, contradicting her assertion. The vehicle showed clear signs of an accident, with a completely crushed side-view mirror.

A witness had provided police with LaPlaca’s license plate number after observing her concerning driving behavior. The Democratic mayor’s condition was immediately apparent to responding officers, who noted her unsteady movements and slurred speech. When questioned about possible drinking, LaPlaca initially denied consuming alcohol but later admitted to drinking, further complicating her legal situation. The presence of her young child in the vehicle elevated the seriousness of the offenses.

Failed Sobriety Tests and Arrest

Body camera footage released to the public clearly shows LaPlaca failing multiple field sobriety tests. When instructed to stand on one leg, she stumbled and was unable to maintain balance. Officers also documented her inability to walk a straight line properly. These failures led to her being placed under arrest, at which point LaPlaca became emotional and began crying as officers handcuffed her. Her requests to contact the township’s Chief of Police during the arrest process have drawn additional scrutiny.

“Can I please go home and see my son?” LaPlaca pleaded with officers after being taken into custody, as shown in the bodycam footage.

While searching the vehicle, officers allegedly discovered a water bottle containing alcohol and a small liquor bottle, adding possession of an open container to her charges. LaPlaca consented to a breathalyzer test at the police station. Following processing, authorities released her with a summons to appear in court on April 28, 2025. The charges against her include driving under the influence, reckless driving, endangering the welfare of a child, and driving with an expired license.

Family Response and Recovery Efforts

In the wake of the arrest, LaPlaca’s husband, Jason Carty, has made a public statement addressing his wife’s situation. He acknowledged her battle with addiction and confirmed she is actively seeking treatment. The statement emphasized the personal nature of addiction struggles and requested understanding from the community during this difficult time for their family. LaPlaca has not yet issued a personal statement regarding the incident or her future plans as mayor.

“Millions of Americans struggle with addiction and never get help. Gina LaPlaca is someone who has struggled, and is now getting the help she needs,” her husband, Jason Carty said.

The incident has sparked concerns among Lumberton Township residents, particularly regarding the endangerment of a child and public safety issues. Local officials have not yet announced any administrative actions regarding LaPlaca’s position as mayor. The case highlights the serious consequences of impaired driving, especially with the added element of child endangerment, which carries potentially significant legal penalties. As LaPlaca faces her upcoming court date, questions remain about her political future and the impact this incident will have on her leadership role.