Democratic Mayor Arrested for DUI After Hit-and-Run with Her 2-Year-Old Child in the Car

A New Jersey mayor is facing DUI charges following a hit-and-run incident that occurred on Monday.

Gina LaPlaca, the Democratic mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, admitted to police that she had been drinking before picking up her 2-year-old child from daycare, as reported by WPVI-TV.

According to court records, authorities were given video footage of a vehicle that struggled to stay in its lane and nearly collided with a utility pole.

Police later found the vehicle at LaPlaca’s residence on Monday evening, where she acknowledged having consumed alcohol.

Court documents indicate that an open container of alcohol was discovered inside the vehicle.

She is now facing charges, including driving under the influence, reckless driving, and child endangerment.

Shore News Network reported that a vehicle LaPlaca, 42, was operating also struck another car in Mount Laurel before fleeing the scene.

The outlet noted that further charges related to the hit-and-run could still be filed.

LaPlaca’s husband, Jason Carty, spoke to WPVI, revealing that the mayor is now seeking professional help for addiction.

“Gina is someone who has struggled and is now getting that help that she needs. I ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts as she moves forward on her road to recovery,” he stated.

“Gina’s a loving and caring mother and stepmother. Our oldest is a teenager and can see all the unkind things online,” Carty added. “I simply ask that you respect our privacy. Just be better humans and show some compassion.”

However, a local resident expressed that LaPlaca should be held accountable like anyone else.

“You don’t really know what anyone is going through behind closed doors,” said Marquel Scott of Mount Holly. “Anybody else they’d probably be in jail. So I feel like that should be the consequence.”

Shore News Network also reported that LaPlaca was arrested in 2023 for allegedly assaulting Carty, though those charges were later dropped.

Before serving as mayor, LaPlaca had been the business administrator for Neptune Township.

While Shore News Network claimed she was fired, LaPlaca told the Asbury Park Press that she voluntarily resigned.

“I would have loved to continue that work, but unfortunately the changing political environment in town compelled me to take my talents elsewhere. I look forward to the next challenge and using my knowledge, skills, and abilities to the benefit of the public,” she said.