Watertown state rep. charged with drunken driving, police say

Representative John J. Lawn, a Democrat from Watertown, was charged with drunken driving early Wednesday morning near the Massachusetts State House. Lawn, 56, faces charges of operating under the influence and leaving the scene of property damage after allegedly hitting a parked vehicle. A bystander notified Officer Oscaury Rosario-Garcia, who found Lawn's SUV running two stop signs before stopping him. Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol and observed Lawn's bloodshot eyes, leading to his arrest.

Despite his request to take an Uber instead of a breathalyzer, Lawn was taken into custody and required assistance to maintain his balance. The Massachusetts Republican Party criticized Lawn's actions, suggesting he attempted to evade consequences by highlighting his political status. In a statement, Lawn accepted full responsibility for his actions, stating they were unacceptable and expressing remorse to his constituents. This incident raises concerns about accountability among lawmakers and their conduct while in office.