A Michigan state lawmaker was arrested for drunk driving following a rollover crash — and he publicly admitted he has a drinking problem while vowing to get help.
State Rep. Bryan Posthumus, a first-term Republican representing Cannon Township, was arrested Friday after his Jeep hit a mailbox and rolled over after leaving his family’s farm in Oakfield Township, the lawmaker said in a news release.
Cops arrested Posthumus, 36, in Ada Township outside Grand Rapids on suspicion of operating while intoxicated, according to the Saturday release.
Prior to being taken to a hospital, Posthumus was booked into Kent County Correctional Facility, where tests revealed his blood alcohol content was 0.13 — higher than the state’s legal limit of .08.
“I am deeply disappointed in myself for putting other people in jeopardy by driving after drinking alcohol,” Posthumus said in a prepared statement. “There is no excuse for what happened, and I take full and complete responsibility for my actions. To my family, friends, colleagues and constituents who I serve, I sincerely apologize and ask forgiveness.”
Posthumus admitted he has a drinking problem — citing his prior OWI arrest in January 2013 — and said he’ll immediately begin attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
“I am grateful that no one else was injured because of my mistake,” the lawmaker’s statement continued. “I will work very hard to regain the trust, respect, and support of my loved ones, my fellow state representatives, and the wonderful citizens in my district.”
Posthumus, who was elected in November, said he “never again” wants to embarrass himself due to his actions.
Posthumus was booked Friday on a charge of operating while intoxicated and was released after posting $100 bond, online records show. It’s unclear if he’s hired an attorney.
The freshman lawmaker hails from a politically connected family, the Detroit Free Press reports.
His father, Dick Posthumus, was the state’s lieutenant governor from 1999 through 2003, and his sister, Lisa Posthumus Lyons, also serves as Kent County clerk following three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011 through 2016.
Posthumus’ arrest came just weeks after another Michigan lawmaker, state Rep. Jewell Jones (D-Inkster), allegedly told cops that busting him for driving drunk would not “be good” since he controlled the police department’s budget, according to a police report.
