Ex-Minneapolis City Council member arrested, accused of hitting vehicle while under the influence

Alondra Espejel, a former Minneapolis City Council member, was arrested late Tuesday on suspicion of driving under the influence after a crash outside City Hall. Police records indicate she was involved in a property damage accident at 315 S. 4th St. and refused to submit to testing for alcohol or drugs. Espejel served on the council from 2013 to 2022, representing Ward 9 and did not seek re-election.

She was a prominent activist who advocated for the abolition of the Minneapolis Police Department following George Floyd's murder in 2020. The proposal lost traction as crime rates surged and public sentiment shifted against the measure. Espejel remains in custody without bail ahead of potential charges related to impairment by alcohol or a controlled substance. No injuries resulted from the crash, which involved the other driver and witnesses. Her arrest highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and accountability among elected officials.