[W]ILLISTON — State Sen. Debbie Ingram, D-Chittenden, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol Thursday night.
Police responded to a crash on South Road around 8 p.m. They said Ingram, 55, drove off the road and struck a “fixed object” before continuing on and veering off the road again, according to a Seven Days report. Ingram, who is serving her first term in the Senate, was cited to appear in Chittenden County Superior Court on Nov. 2 to answer the DUI charge, the report says.
Ingram’s home is on South Road, according to her biography on the Legislature’s website. Ingram did not respond to message Friday seeking comment.
Williston police could not be reached Friday morning to confirm the report. Messages left for Williston Police Chief Todd Shepard were not immediately returned.
Ingram’s attorney Ted Kenney issued a statement on her behalf:
“Last night I was arrested near my home in Williston and charged with a DUI. I am grateful that no one was injured as a result of my irresponsible behavior. I suffer from a disease for which I have been getting treatment through a 12-Step program,” the statement said.
“I had a temporary setback last night and will continue to seek treatment to ensure that something like this never happens again. I accept full responsibility for the consequences of my actions,” Ingram added.
Ingram is the executive director of Vermont Interfaith Action, a nonprofit coalition of congregations that advocate for social justice. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ.
The Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, who is president of the board of directors of Vermont Interfaith Action, issued a statement of support for Ingram.
“The Board, staff, and clergy of Vermont Interfaith Action are grateful that Debbie was not injured, and we all stand by her at this time,” the statement said, “We are prepared to support her in her treatment in any way that we can and realize that any substance use disorder is a challenging and difficult disease from which to recover. Please join us in keeping Debbie in your thoughts and prayers.”
Ingram, who was elected to the Senate in 2016, also served two terms on the Williston Selectboard. She graduated from Stanford University and earned a master’s of divinity at the Fuller Theological Seminary.
