Watertown’s John Lawn, State Representative for the westside of Watertown, said “I am deeply sorry,” in a statement following his arrest on Wednesday for driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of property damage.
Lawn pleaded not guilty at an arraignment in Boston Municipal Court Thursday, and was released on personal recognizance, according to a report by NBC 10 Boston, and will return for a pretrial hearing on Aug. 1.
On Wednesday, Lawn sent a statement through his attorney saying, “I deeply regret and take full responsibility for my actions. What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses. I am committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. To my family, friends, and constituents, I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry.”
A Boston Police report said that at 1:17 a.m on July 17 a witness flagged down officers after seeing an SUV strike a parked pickup truck on Hancock Street in Boston, near the State House, and then drive away, NBC 10 Boston reported.
According to a report by WBZ Channel 4, the Police report said witnesses heard a loud bang and an SUV that had struck a parked vehicle trying to back up. The SUV was seen running two stop signs.
The police report said Lawn had a strong odor of alcohol, glassy and bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet, according to a report by WCVB Channel 5. Lawn told police he was a state representative and was coming from an event at the State House.
Police arrested Lawn at 1:45 a.m. and took him to the Nashua Street Jail, according NBC 10.
Lawn was first elected to the 10th Middlesex seat in 2011 and represents parts of Watertown (precincts 9-12), Waltham, and Newton. The Democrat chairs the Committee on Health Care Financing.
House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano said in a statement that he was “very disappointed to learn of this news,” according to WBZ.
“Driving under the influence is an incredibly dangerous and often deadly mistake, and I am relieved that no one was injured in this particular instance,” Mariano said. “Representative Lawn has told me that he takes full responsibility for this egregious lapse in judgment, and that he will work to ensure that something like this does not happen again.”
MassGOP spokesman Mark Steffen called for Lan to resign in a statement Thursday.
“Wednesday’s arrest is another example of Beacon Hill Democrats using their titles to try and avoid punishment. By declaring himself a lawmaker at the time of his arrest, it’s clear Rep. Lawn sought to escape the consequences of his actions,” Steffen wrote. “He should resign and offer the residents of Watertown the chance to elect a new representative who doesn’t ask officers to look the other way when he allegedly breaks the law.”