Democratic State House Candidate Arrested for DUI After Multi-Vehicle Collision
Krista Perez, who won her primary election on August 4, was charged after allegedly striking parked cars and refusing a breathalyzer test.
Krista Perez, a 40-year-old Democrat running for a Washington state House seat, was arrested on August 11 for driving under the influence following a collision that damaged five vehicles.
According to reports from the Washington State Standard, the incident occurred shortly after midnight when Perez's vehicle allegedly collided with a parked car. Police cited the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, red eyes, and an unsteady gait as factors leading to her arrest. Bodycam footage obtained by The Jason Rantz Show captured Perez weeping and praying in the back of a police cruiser after her arrest.
During questioning, Perez stated she had consumed "one glass of wine" at a friend's business and rated herself a four on a scale of zero to ten for sobriety. When offered a field sobriety test, she repeatedly expressed a desire to go home and ultimately declined to take the tests. Officers noted she stated she "did not know what any of this means" as she was being placed under arrest.
At the Tacoma Police headquarters, Perez allegedly did not provide a usable breath sample after three attempts, leading to an enhancement of the charges. Washington state law mandates that roadside sobriety tests are voluntary, but refusing them can carry separate penalties. Perez was booked into Pierce County Jail and released six hours later.
Perez won the August 4 primary election for the 29th Legislative District, Position 1, and is scheduled to face incumbent Representative Melanie Morgan in November. State law does not prohibit individuals charged with a DUI from serving in the legislature.
Bryan Hershman, Perez's attorney, told the Standard that he hopes the campaign can remain focused on relevant issues, stating, "We're talking about a DUI. It's not like we're talking about felony murder here." He added, "No matter what happens in this DUI case, there’s still homeless people we need to get off the streets. I hope we can stay focused on what’s relevant."
Perez currently works as a strategic partnerships manager for the state's Department of Commerce. She previously ran unsuccessfully for Tacoma City Council last year.
