In a shocking incident that has drawn widespread attention, Gina Llaca, the mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence with her two-year-old child in the backseat. Newly released body camera footage from local police has highlighted the disturbing circumstances surrounding the arrest, raising concerns about the dangers of drunk driving.
The incident occurred on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, when a witness reported seeing Llaca swerving dangerously on the roadway and even colliding with a utility pole. Upon arriving at her home, officers confronted the mayor as she attempted to remove her toddler from the car. Body camera footage reveals her struggling to stand and exhibiting signs of impairment while denying that she had consumed alcohol.
When questioned about her wellbeing, Llaca initially insisted she was fine, but it became evident that she was having difficulty maintaining her balance. The police informed her that they had received multiple reports about her reckless driving, including running a red light and swerving across lanes. Despite her denial, officers requested that she perform field sobriety tests, which she agreed to do.
As the situation escalated, law enforcement ultimately placed Llaca under arrest, charging her with driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and endangering the welfare of a child. During the search of her vehicle, officers reportedly discovered a water bottle containing alcohol, which she acknowledged was vodka.
Following her arrest, Llaca was taken to the police station, where she spent approximately an hour and a half in a holding cell. Officers informed her that she would need to be evaluated at a hospital due to her high blood alcohol level before her release. Throughout the encounter, Llaca expressed her remorse, stating “I’m sorry” multiple times as she faced the consequences of her actions.
Llaca’s husband, Jason Cardi, who is also a firefighter, later addressed the incident on social media, expressing support for his wife while acknowledging her struggles with addiction. He urged the public to show compassion and respect their family’s privacy during this challenging time. However, this statement has since been removed from his Facebook page.
The incident has ignited a heated discussion within the Lumberton community. While some residents express sympathy for the mayor and her family, others call for her resignation from public office, arguing that her personal turmoil detracts from her ability to serve the community effectively. A community Facebook page featured comments urging both Llaca and Cardi to step down for the greater good of their constituents.
As of now, Gina Llaca remains in her position as mayor of Lumberton, a township home to approximately 12,000 residents. This incident follows her recent resignation from a separate position as business administrator for Neptune Township, which she attributed to a “changing political environment.”
The mayor is scheduled to appear in court on April 28 in relation to her DUI charges. The unfolding events raise critical questions about accountability in public office, the impact of personal struggles on professional responsibilities, and the importance of addressing issues surrounding addiction and public safety.