DOVER, Del. (WBOC/AP) - A state lawmaker who pleaded guilty to a drunken driving charge last year has been arrested again on charges of driving under the influence.
Wilmington police arrested House Democrat Brad Bennett of Dover on Saturday night after he allegedly sideswiped a parked police car on the 2900 block of North Market Street. According to officers, Bennett drove away in his SUV before being stopped at the unit block of West 27th Street.
The 46-year-old Bennett has been charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident involving alcohol and no proof of insurance.
Bennett was sentenced to a year of probation after pleading guilty in Sussex County last year to DUI.
House Majority Leader Pete Schwartzkopf said in a statement released Monday that Bennett will be the subject of an ethics committee investigation after his most recent criminal charges are resolved.
"Driving under the influence is a serious crime that puts everyone on the road in danger. There is no excuse for such behavior, and it should not be treated or taken lightly," Schwartzkopf said in the statement. "I realize that we are all innocent until proven guilty, but in light of the information we have, I am ordering an Ethics Committee investigation into his alleged actions. As Rep. Bennett is entitled to due process and we as a committee will need all substantiated information in hand, we will let the justice system proceed first. The Ethics Committee investigation will begin upon completion of the judicial process.
"We have been informed that Rep. Bennett intends to seek treatment," Schwartzkopf continued. "On a personal level, I wish him the best in addressing these issues."
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