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WA state representative flips car, cited for DUI

The state representative from Spokane was arraigned Monday.
Timm Ormsby. (Photo: Washington State Legislature)

A Washington state representative was cited for a DUI Saturday in Thurston County.

State Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, was arraigned in Thurston District Court on Monday on a ticket for DUI.

"I made a very poor choice this weekend, and want to apologize to my constituents, colleagues, friends and family," Ormsby said in a statement. "I have faith in our justice system, and will abide by whatever consequences I receive."

Ormsby flipped his car after striking a culvert and landed in front of someone's doorway, according to the responding deputy. He told the deputy he was distracted by a text message sent from his wife just before hitting the culvert.

While completing field sobriety tests, Ormsby admitted to drinking two beers at work. He told the officer he was working on the state budget and "he had taken a break and drank somewhere near the old brewery."

After completing the tests, the deputy pressed for clarification.

Ormsby admitted to drinking two 12oz beers around 1 p.m. “before going to work”, and then drank two 16oz beers at Pints Barn in Tumwater. It is not clear if Ormsby went to the Capitol Saturday afternoon or if he conducted work from Pints Barn.

When asked for clarification, Ormsby's office did not comment.

The lawmaker said right now he is focused on his duties with the Legislature.

Ormsby has worked in the state Legislature since 2003. He currently serves as chair of the House Appropriations Committee, which writes the House version of the state’s operating budget.

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