ANTIOCH — Mayor Lamar Thorpe admitted Saturday that he was cited by authorities earlier in the morning for driving under the influence of alcohol.
In a nearly minute-long video posted to social media, Thorpe apologized to Antioch residents and promised to “grow and learn” from the incident.
“Last night, after having dinner with a friend, I was pulled over by a California Highway Patroller and cited for driving under the influence,” Thorpe said in the video. “For that, I take full responsibility.”
Thorpe was pulled over at about 1:15 a.m. while driving a gray Volvo northbound on Interstate 680, near the Monument Boulevard exit in Pleasant Hill, according to the California Highway Patrol. Officers conducted a DUI investigation before placing Thorpe under arrest.
“Although I never felt inhibited by the drink I had with my dinner, I’m deeply sorry for the lapse in judgment and I hope that you can forgive me,” Thorpe said. “Being your mayor is one of the greatest honors of my life and I’m sorry if I have embarrassed you in any way.”
In a statement, CHP Golden Gate Division pointed out Thorpe’s arrest wasn’t connected to a vehicle crash that was under investigation in the same area.
“He was cooperative with us throughout the encounter,” CHP Golden Gate Division spokesman Andrew Barclay said of Thorpe. A breathalyzer test that Thorpe submitted to during his arrest revealed a blood alcohol content higher than 0.08.
Thorpe said in the video he would limit his comments on the advice of his legal counsel, but he “felt it was important to be open and direct with you.”
Reached by phone, Thorpe declined to take questions and directed this news organization to the video he posted on Facebook.
Thorpe was elected mayor in 2020 after serving as a city councilman. He recently became the subject of a recall effort by some Antioch residents over accusations that he violated open-meeting laws by blocking some constituents and not allowing dissenters to comment on his Instagram.
