Vermont state representative accused of drunken driving

A Vermont state representative from Bennington is accused of driving under the influence.

James Carroll, 62, of Bennington, was stopped by police in the Capitol Complex parking lot in Montpelier just before 8:30 a.m. Wednesday for an excessively loud muffler.

While interviewing Carroll, officers detected signs of impairment, police said. Carroll then refused to perform a field sobriety test, they said. He agreed to provide a breath sample, which indicated his blood alcohol concentration was greater than .08%, the legal limit.

Carroll was charged with suspicion of driving under the influence. He was released with a citation and ordered to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Washington Criminal Division on March 7 at 8:30 a.m.

Carroll represents the district of Bennington.

Carroll released a statement through Rep. Kathleen James, D – Manchester, the assistant majority leader, according to NewsChannel 13’s media partners at The Berkshire Eagle.

“I have been and remain dedicated to the people of Bennington. I know I have disappointed people and disappointed myself,” Carroll’s statement said.

“I want to get better, and I’m going to take active steps to do that. I am grateful to everyone for giving me the time and support I need,” the statement went on to say.

James said that Carroll would not contest the criminal charge.

Carroll also has served on the Bennington Select Board since 2012, and is currently in a three-way race to keep that seat next month.