Updated 03/19/2013 07:14 AM
State rep apologizes for drunken driving arrest, accident
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Representative Naomi Gonzalez apologized to fellow lawmakers Monday for her recent drunken driving arrest following a crash which injured a bicyclist and another driver.
Before Texas’ House of Representatives, the Democratic 34-year-old from El Paso said she was sorry for her actions and was grateful that no one was seriously injured.
"I made a mistake and I am deeply, deeply sorry for it," Gonzales said. "I am sorry for the shame that I have brought upon this house and I have brought upon the district."
According to police, a BMW driven by Gonzalez rear-ended another car on the Congress Avenue bridge early Thursday morning. The second car rolled forward and struck a bicyclist.
Both Gonzalez and the bicyclist were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injures.
The arrest affidavit stated that Gonzalez had been drinking at the W Hotel in downtown Austin shortly before the crash and had a BAC of .164—more than twice the legal limit.
Lawmakers responded to her apology with a standing ovation and some gave her warm hugs and high-fives. Flowers were also left on Gonzalez's desk in the chamber.
Gonzalez has been charged with driving while intoxicated.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.