Senator Crapo facing DUI charge

December 24, 2012
Mike Crapo booking photo
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, representing Idaho's First District, is facing a charge of DUI after being arrested Sunday morning after running a stop sign in Alexandria, Virginia.

According to the Alexandria Police Department, Crapo, 61, was arrested at 12:45 a.m. December 23 by an officer on routine patrol, who saw a vehicle go through a red light at the intersection of Hume and Mount Vernon Avenues without stopping.

Crapo was the sole occupant of the vehicle, and he failed several field sobriety tests, prompting his arrest. He was taken to the Alexandria Adult Detention Center, where he blew a .11 blood alcohol level. The BAC limit for drivers in Virginia is .08.

Crapo was released on a $1,000 unsecured bond and is scheduled to appear in court January 4 on the charge.

After his release, Crapo issued the following statement:

"I accept total responsibility and will deal with whatever penalty comes my way in this matter. I will also undertake measures to ensure that this circumstance is never repeated."

“Senator Crapo has acknowledged that he made a serious mistake and he has apologized for his actions," said fellow U.S. Senator Jim Risch, also of Idaho. "As a friend and colleague, I offer my support and help to him in any way I can.  Senator Crapo has worked hard on behalf of Idahoans for many years and I have full confidence that Senator Crapo will continue his dedicated and unselfish service to the people of Idaho.”