GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) — State Rep. Aundré Bumgardner, a Democrat representing Groton and Stonington, was arrested early Sunday morning on charges of reckless driving and driving under the influence, according to arrest records provided by the Groton Town Police.
Bumgardner, 30, was arrested around 2:30 AM on Sunday along the Gold Star Highway in Groton and released shortly after 4:00 AM, according to the police department’s arrest log. Additional details, including body camera footage and the full police report on the incident, were not immediately available on Sunday evening.
Bumgardner issued a written statement acknowledging the incident and apologizing “for my actions and the disappointment I have caused.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions and deeply regret this mistake,” Bumgardner said. “I am grateful that no one was harmed and that no accident occurred. I recognize the seriousness of this situation and am committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure it never happens again..”
State Rep. Matt Ritter, the speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives, wrote in statement, “I am disappointed and disheartened after hearing of Rep. Bumgardner’s arrest for driving under the influence.”
“I have spoken with Aundré and he understands that he must take full responsibility and work every day to win back the trust of his constituents and colleagues,” Ritter said. “Aundré is a dedicated and compassionate young man and it is clear from talking to him that he is owning this very serious mistake.”
Ritter, the top Democrat in the state House, said Bumgardner will be suspended from his leadership positions and committee assignments “until further notice.”
Bumgardner is assistant majority leader of the House Democratic caucus and serves on the Finance, Energy, Environment, and Transportation Committees.
CREDIT: News8 WTNH Mike Cerulli
