Rhode Island Democrat lawmaker arrested for DUI ordered to install car breathalyzer

After being arrested for driving while intoxicated in February, Democratic state lawmaker Rep. Enrique Sanchez of Rhode Island was ordered by a judge in Cranston to install a breathalyzer in his vehicle in order to continue driving. The arrest occurred after Sanchez was pulled over in the early morning hours of Feb. 3 for allegedly parking in an intersection.

Bodycam footage of the traffic stop that led to his arrest shows Sanchez offering the police officer a red debit card instead of his driver’s license and claiming that he had not consumed any alcohol. Despite this assertion, the officers noted that Sanchez smelled strongly of alcohol and appeared intoxicated.

During the traffic stop, Sanchez repeatedly refused to take a field sobriety test and asked if he could order an Uber instead. Following his arrest, Sanchez pleaded not guilty to driving while intoxicated, as well as to lesser civil charges of refusing a chemical test and failure to obey traffic control devices.

Following an initial court appearance, Sanchez’s license was suspended by Cranston Magistrate William Noonan. However, he was granted a hardship license that allows him to drive to and from work and the State House for legislative duties within specific hours, provided he installs an ignition interlock breathalyzer in his vehicle.

The case was subsequently moved from district court to the state’s Superior Court during a pre-trial conference. In response to his arrest, Sanchez addressed the issue in an X thread, expressing gratitude to his constituents for their patience and reaffirming his dedication to his work and the people of Rhode Island.

Despite calls for his resignation, Sanchez did not issue an apology but instead emphasized his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities and serving his community. His attorney, former Rhode Island House Speaker John Harwood, is representing him in the legal proceedings.

In 2023, Sanchez introduced a bill, RI H5461, advocating for giving illegal immigrants the right to vote in Rhode Island. The bill was later tabled for further study after its introduction.

Fox News Digital reached out to Sanchez and Harwood for comment on the matter. The case continues to unfold as Sanchez navigates the legal implications of his arrest and the subsequent charges he faces.