Updated at 7:51 p.m.
Rep. Jim Carroll, D-Bennington, said he regretted his actions and plans to enter rehab after he was arrested Wednesday morning on a charge of driving under the influence following a traffic stop outside the Vermont Statehouse.
In a press release, Montpelier police said they stopped the second-term legislator due to an “excessively” loud muffler around 8:25 a.m. in the Capitol Complex parking lot on Baldwin Street.
Police said Carroll was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence after a breath test. He was processed at the Montpelier Police Department and released on a citation to appear March 7 in Washington County Superior criminal court in Barre to answer to the charge of driving under the influence, first offense, a misdemeanor.
In written statements and two phone interviews with VTDigger on Wednesday afternoon, Carroll indicated he does not plan to contest the charge and that he plans to enter rehab on Thursday afternoon.
Carroll told VTDigger he had one beer Tuesday night because he had a hard time falling asleep. When he got behind the wheel on Wednesday morning, Carroll said, he did not think he was impaired. Vermont law prohibits driving for anyone with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more.
“I thought I was OK,” Carroll said late Wednesday afternoon. “If I felt that I was impaired, I wouldn’t drive. Never done that.”
Carroll said he regretted his actions. “It was just such a stupid, stupid choice,” he said.
Carroll said his blood-alcohol content registered at 0.081. Police have not specified the figure. In a phone interview, Montpelier Police Chief Eric Nordenson said it would become public upon Carroll’s arraignment. He declined to comment further.
Earlier on Wednesday, Carroll released a statement through Rep. Kathleen James, D-Manchester, saying he is aware he has disappointed people and disappointed himself. “I want to get better, and I’m going to take active steps to do that,” his statement read in part. “I am grateful to everyone for giving me the time and support I need.”
Montpelier police, who conducted the traffic stop on Caroll, noticed “indicators of alcohol impairment,” the department said in the press release. Carroll refused to perform field sobriety tests, police said, but did provide a roadside breath test sample, which registered a blood alcohol content above the 0.08 legal limit for driving in Vermont.
Carroll, in the interview, said he told police he was unable to perform field sobriety tests because of a medical condition in his feet, which has led to mobility and balance issues. Carroll said he suggested doing the breath test instead.
House Speaker Jill Krowinski, D-Burlington, said in a statement Wednesday “there is zero excuse for driving under the influence, putting innocent lives in danger.”
“As elected officials, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of conduct as we have the privilege and honor of representing our communities in the legislature,” Krowinski said. “I understand that Representative Carroll will seek the help and support that he needs.”
She encouraged people struggling with substance use issues to seek help through VT Helplink, which offers free and confidential support and referral services.
Carroll has been a member of the Bennington Selectboard since 2012. He has been seeking reelection on the board in a four-way race for two seats. Voting has started, and the town clerk is expected to name the winning candidates at the end of Town Meeting Day on March 5.
Carroll declined to comment when asked whether the police charge affects his reelection plans or his position in the Legislature.
Bennington Town Manager Stu Hurd said Carroll needs support amid his misdemeanor charge.
“He appears to be taking full responsibility for it. I think that is the appropriate response,” Hurd told VTDigger. “I think we need to, at least those of us who know him, continue to support him and help him through this difficult time.”
News of Carroll’s arrest was first reported by the Bennington Banner.
Sarah Mearhoff contributed to this report.
