Washington House Candidate Arrested for DUI, Seen Sobbing in Patrol Car
Video footage captured Krista Perez admitting to drinking wine and declining sobriety tests following a multi-vehicle collision.
Washington state Democrat Krista Perez, a candidate for the state House of Representatives, was arrested for driving under the influence on August 11, with police video showing her admitting to drinking wine and subsequently crying and praying in the back of a patrol car. Perez, who secured first place in the August primary for the 29th Legislative District, Position 1, is set to face incumbent state Rep. Melanie Morgan in November.
According to reports, Perez's vehicle allegedly struck a parked car, initiating a chain reaction that damaged five vehicles. Prosecutors have charged her with driving under the influence, along with a refusal enhancement related to the collision and a later interaction with law enforcement.
Body camera footage obtained by The Jason Rantz Show on Seattle Red shows officers questioning Perez at the scene. She initially denied being involved in an accident and stated she did not understand what was happening. When asked if she had consumed alcohol, Perez admitted to having had one glass of wine. She declined to provide details about the size of the glass and requested to go home when asked to rate her sobriety.
Officers then asked Perez to perform standardized field sobriety tests, informing her that they were voluntary. She repeatedly expressed a desire to go home and ultimately declined the tests. Following her refusal, she was informed she was under arrest for DUI. Inside the patrol car, she was seen sobbing and praying.
Under Washington state law, declining roadside sobriety tests is not prohibited, and a refusal is distinct from the enhancement related to her behavior at the police station. According to an arrest report, the enhancement stems from her alleged inability to provide a usable breath sample after three attempts at Tacoma Police headquarters.
Serving in the legislature is not legally prohibited for individuals with a DUI charge. Notably, other Democratic lawmakers have retained their seats after alcohol-related incidents, including House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, who previously apologized for drinking alcohol before a committee hearing.