Palmdale Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Alarcón was arrested early Friday morning in the city of Glendale for suspicion of driving under the influence.
Glendale police say Alarcón was driving erratically and making wide turns into opposing lanes. She was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI and booked at the Glendale City Jail. Police cited and released her the same day.
“Without question, I understand the severity of my actions and I apologize immensely to all of those whom I’ve disappointed, especially my family, my colleagues and my constituents,” Alarcón said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. “For me, this has been a lifelong battle and in this difficult time recovery is my sole priority.”
Alarcón — the daughter of former Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcón — pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DUI almost exactly 12 years ago. That arrest occurred in San Bernardino County. According to authorities, her blood-alcohol level was over twice the legal limit.
In 2012, while she was serving as president of L.A. Public Works, Alarcón’s 11-year-old daughter was found by herself at City Hall, prompting a child endangerment investigation. Alarcón resigned from her position and said she was seeking treatment.
“We anticipate investigating these allegations and evaluating the applicability of the city’s code of conduct to provide guidance for our response,” said Palmdale Mayor Laura Bettencourt said in a statement regarding Friday's arrest. "If these allegations prove true, I strongly condemn this behavior, and it is unacceptable for any member of our City Council or staff."