Over the weekend, North Carolina GOP Senator Norman Sanderson was arrested in Raleigh for driving while impaired (DWI). The 74-year-old lawmaker was taken into custody last Saturday night at the intersection of Edwards Mill Road and Trinity Road, according to CBS 17. He faces charges of misdemeanor DWI, failure to obey a traffic officer, and carrying an open container of alcohol.
Court records obtained by ABC11 indicate that Sanderson's breathalyzer test registered an alcohol level of 0.16, double the legal limit in North Carolina. As a result of this finding, his civil license was revoked and he subsequently posted a $2,000 bond. An upcoming court appearance was scheduled for November 7 in Wake County.
WRAL reported that Sanderson expressed remorse for his actions, stating, "Last night I made a regrettable mistake, and I take responsibility for my actions. I want to apologize to my constituents, my colleagues, and my family for letting them down." He also praised the professionalism of the State Highway Patrol and Wake County Sheriff's Office during the incident.
The Republican senator represents several counties in eastern North Carolina, including Carteret, Chowan, Halifax, Hyde, Martin, Pamlico, Warren, and Washington. His arrest and charges come at a time when DUI incidents involving public officials are under increasing scrutiny. Senator Sanderson's case is now with the courts.
