A Kentucky lawmaker has been charged with driving under the influence after being stopped by a state police officer on Tuesday, the opening day of the legislative session.
Kentucky State Police Sgt. Michael Webb says Republican Sen. Brandon Smith of Hazard was stopped by the state trooper for speeding at about 9 p.m. EST Tuesday.
Webb said Wednesday after making contact with Smith, the trooper suspected the senator had been drinking and arrested him on a DUI charge.
He said the senator cooperated with the trooper.
The Courier-Journal reported that according to a citation filed with Franklin County Circuit Court, Smith blew a .088 in a portable breath test. A person is presumed to be drunk when the alcohol to blood ratio is at .08 and above. The citation indicated that Smith later refused a request to take a follow-up breath test.
