New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler was traveling at 74 mph with a blood-alcohol content nearly double the legal limit when state troopers stopped him for drunken driving in 2012, according to police records. Lawler, 40, was driving his white Ford Escape SUV on the northbound Palisades Parkway in Rockland County on March 17, 2012, when troopers observed him speeding in a 55 mph zone, the records state.
The arrest report noted additional infractions, including following too closely, crossing hazard markings multiple times, and making unsafe lane changes without signaling. The trooper initiated a stop on the ramp at exit 13, where the vehicle came to a halt, blocking traffic.
Lawler consented to a breathalyzer test, which registered a blood-alcohol content of .14, well above New York's legal limit of .08. He was initially charged with driving while intoxicated but later pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of driving while ability impaired.
Lawler disclosed the incident earlier this year, stating it was "not my proudest moment" and that he was "deeply embarrassed" by the event. He also mentioned that his father was a recovering alcoholic and battling cancer at the time of his arrest. Lawler expressed gratitude for being pulled over, acknowledging the potential danger to himself and others.
The congressman, who represents parts of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, was elected in 2022 and faces a challenge from Democrat Cait Conley in New York's 17th Congressional District in November.