Police say ex-Minneapolis council member tried to flee after drunken crash

Alondra Espejel, a former Minneapolis City Council member, remains in custody after being charged with two counts of drunken driving following a crash downtown on Tuesday. Reports indicate she collided with a parked vehicle and attempted to flee the scene, resisting police commands during her arrest. Officers observed her bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the odor of alcohol, and she failed a field sobriety test. Espejel, 44, is held on $6,000 bail, with a court appearance set for November 13. She served on the council from 2013 until 2022 and was a notable advocate for police reform after George Floyd's murder.

However, her proposal to abolish the Minneapolis Police Department lost traction amid rising crime rates. The incident underscores the complexities surrounding public officials and their conduct in positions of power. It may also impact public perceptions of accountability in local governance.