Police Report Details DUI Arrest Of Manchester State Representative

MANCHESTER, CT — A report from the Willimantic Police Department offers details of a drunken driving incident late last week involving a state representative from Manchester.

State Rep. Geoff Luxenberg (D-Manchester) on Friday issued a public apology through a spokesman for the DUI charge. The apology was sent at 4:35 p.m. Friday regarding an incident "last night," but the traffic stop did, in fact, take place at 1:07 a.m. Friday, according to the Willi PD.

Neither Luxenberg's spokesman, nor his lawyer, Rob Britt, would divulge the details of the arrest. Britt politely said he wanted to reserve comment for court proceedings.

According to an arrest report, A Willimantic officer on patrol was heading west on Main Street and noticed a driver continually hitting his brakes. The car was pulled over near the Cumberland Farms along the 1100 block, and the driver — identified as Luxenberg — was then arrested for a lane violation and driving under the influence, according to an arrest report.

It's 19 miles from the Willimantic town line to the Manchester line. Luxenberg lives in Manchester.

He posted a $1,500 bond and is expected in Danielson Superior Court on Nov. 27, police records show.

Here is Friday's statement from Luxenberg:

"Last night, I was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. Thankfully, no one was injured and there was no accident.

"I am taking this matter extremely seriously and I feel it important to address the issue immediately. I am seeking personal counseling and treatment at this time to assist me in my desire to prevent something like this from happening in the future.

"I am truly sorry for my actions and apologize to everyone that I have let down."

Leadership at the state Capitol reacted quickly. At 4:48 p.m. Friday, Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas issued a joint statement:

"Hearing of Rep. Luxenberg's DUI arrest is disappointing and we hope he learns from this serious lapse in judgment.

"Geoff has indicated that he is taking steps to ensure this never happens again and we support and encourage him in that decision.

"We are removing Rep. Luxenberg from all committee and leadership assignments until further notice."

Luxenberg, 40, serves as state representative for Manchester's 12th House District. He is currently co-chair of the Housing Committee, as well as a member of the General Law and Finance, Revenue and Bonding committees, according to his biography.