Jeff Wood DUI Video Released: Wisconsin Lawmaker Falls During Sobriety Test (VIDEO)

TOMAH, Wis. (AP)-- A squad car video shows a Wisconsin lawmaker falling down during a sobriety test that led to his third arrest in less than a year on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The video released Tuesday by Tomah police shows Rep. Jeffrey Wood getting pulled over after officers see his Buick Skylark stop in the middle of a road and then slowly swerve across both lanes of traffic.

When Wood is asked to walk a straight line, he stumbles backward into his car before falling down into some grass. An officer helps him up, and Wood is put in handcuffs a short time later.

The video also shows police seizing bottles of prescription drugs from Wood.

He was charged last week with third-offense operating under the influence of an intoxicant and bail jumping. He has apologized for his actions and says he won't seek re-election next year.

WATCH:

Comments

[viko]

Accidents don't happen they are caused.
It makes me think of the Pilots flying past the airport.

[billbb]

Which, ironically enough, was over nearly the same area - less than 80 miles from where the errant plane turned back toward Minneapolis.

[ADVOCATE4ZPG]

"Tavern-hopping" dates from an era when the distance from home was walkable.....; travel to suburbs from bars/taverns is no longer compatable with low density, sprawing, "town planning"!

[Cantinflas]

If he was charged with bail jumping last week, why wasn't he put in jail and kept there? Or was he?

[Vernon Brown]

I am incensed and outraged at the behavior of others. I'm going to think up a bunch more self-righteous bluster and come back, stay tuned

[GoCards1978]

3 times in 10 months...give me a break! This guy is overdue for some serious jail, if not prison, time. This best illustrates why the Michigan legislature changed the law while John Engler was Governor that absolved drunk drivers from financial responsibility in accidents unless their victims were permanently and irreversibly injured as the result - CYA.

[ewj1]

This is Wisconsin where these types of scenes are normal.

[ramper]

He should not be behind the wheel of a car until at least five years of sobriety is proven. What a dimwit.

[BeerRun]

I disagree he should Never be allowed to operate a motor vehicle ever again. Driving is a privilege not a right.

[ukulelebailey]

All it takes to operate a vehicle is to put the keys in the ignition and a foot on the peddle. If he was determined to drive, he was going to do it.

[belyeu]

These are the morons who are running out states and country.

[rosiebond007]

Equality under the law.

THIS GUY SHOULD HAVE LOST HIS LICENSE LAST TIME.

JAIL NOW ....

[dwill123]

Palin-Wood 2012

[billbb]

Yeah, The Bunk and The Drunk.

[SharpDressedMan]

3 DUI's in 10 months?

He needs serious help and people in his community don't need him driving any vehicle.

[ukulelebailey]

One DUI - almost anyone is capable of that sort of stupidity. Two or more DUI's - there's a problem that goes beyond irresponsibility. It's called alcoholism.

[sense oar sheep]

pills, not alcohol, where the intoxicant in this case

[billbb]

I am not sure about other states, but Wisconsin's law is "Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated," whether that is intoxication by alcohol, drugs, or aromatherapy candles. Even legal drugs (cold medicine, etc.) can result in a fine or suspension, just as if the driver was a drunk. If it doesn't quite meet the standard of intoxication, there is also driving while impaired or imprudent driving charges that can be filed.

So, what is Wood's official door prize for being today's stupidest legislator? Here's the travel brochure: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/docs/owi-penchrt.pdf

Unfortunately, much of this is undermined by Wisconsin's far-too-powerful Tavern League, a powerful political force, especially in tourist areas. Plus a rather lax attitude toward drunken driving that has gone on far too long here.

[ukulelebailey]

Probably a mixture. Many alcoholics try to taper off the alcohol by taking sedatives.

[OneArizonan]

First, this man is a menace, regardless of political affiliation. He is a danger to other drivers and pedestrians. He should be out of office, should serve time, and should be prevented from driving.

Second, Wisconsin's punishment for multiple DUIs is among the most lax in the country. I am a native Wisconsinite, and the State has always been soft on DUI. Most towns and cities are overcrowded with taverns and bars.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel did an outstanding series called "Wasted in Wisconsin" that highlighted the human and financial cost of DUI. Check it out at jsonline.com

The legislature was shamed into enacting new penalties for DUI, but it is too little, and far too late.

[ADVOCATE4ZPG]

"Most cities are overcrowded with taverns and bars....." Plainly a DEMAND is there; it's just that there needs to be separation of the tavern/bar patrons from INDIVIDUAL TRANSPORTATION, e.g., dedicated buses or shuttles..­....likely with hard seats for easy hosing down.....?!?!

[ibflyin27]

3 DUI arrests in less than a year...unbelievable that a person with that track record still has a license. That should not be legal in any state!

[plaidsportcoat]

He gets to stay in office?
I want to be a politician, too!

[javaz]

Yikes.
Embarrassing.