Minnesota State Representative Elliot Engen, who is also running for State Auditor, was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of drunken driving, according to police.
Rep. Engen arrested
According to the White Bear Lake Police Department, Engen (R-White Bear Township) was pulled over about 1:50 a.m. near 4th Street and Otter Lake Road in White Bear Lake for “observed traffic violations” such as speeding, expired registration, and an inoperable headlight.
The 27-year-old was subsequently detained on accusations of driving while impaired. He was transported to the police station, where authorities say a breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.13, which is higher than the 0.08 legal limit.
He was subsequently booked into jail on a fourth-degree DWI charge and released Friday morning.
He had not yet been legally charged as of Friday morning.
Representative Engen issued the following statement on his arrest:
“To my family, colleagues and constituents. I am deeply sorry. I strive to be a man of great character, and my actions fell short last night. I will learn from this. I will do better.”
House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) told FOX 9 via an emailed statement, “I’m extremely disappointed to learn of Rep. Engen’s arrest. I will be working to gather information about the circumstances of his arrest and charges and will address this directly with Rep. Engen and consider further consequences as the legal process unfolds.”
In a statement on whether Engen will drop out of the auditor’s race his attorney, Chris Madel, told FOX 9, “We haven’t discussed it, but I sure hope not.”
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