PHOENIX — Arizona state Rep. David L. Cook was arrested overnight Wednesday by the Arizona Department of Public Safety for extreme DUI.
The Republican lawmaker allegedly had a Breath Alcohol Content of .159 after he was stopped by DPS troopers.
The initial incident report released by DPS shows Cook was uncooperative with the responding trooper on several occasions after being pulled over near the Loop 202 and McDowell Road. According to the report, Cook refused to exit his vehicle several times when asked to do so. Cook also allegedly told the trooper that he had been swerving because he dropped his phone while driving and was trying to pick it up.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey's office issued the following statement after learning of the arrest:
"We've been alerted to the situation regarding Rep. David Cook and are alarmed by the allegations."
"Constituents and Arizonans in general are forgiving people, but i think there's gonna be a price to be paid for this mistake," said Stan Barnes, a political consultant. "I don't think that's anything that's going to happen in this case, I think this is a human error that can be made whole if he humbles himself and comports himself correctly."
While having Cook exit a patrol car, the trooper wrote that he told him to "watch his head," to which Cook replied, "I’m fine, don’t worry. You’ll get yours."
According to DPS sources, Cook even threatened to invoke legislative immunity, although that portion was not found in the report.
When given paperwork for a suspended license, Cook allegedly replied, "It's fine, my wife works for the MVD."
House Speaker-elect Rusty Bowers (R-25) today released the following statement regarding the arrest of Representative David Cook (R-8):
“The Arizona Department of Public Safety informed me today that Representative David Cook was arrested last night for driving under the influence. I’m disappointed and saddened by Representative Cook for failing to meet the standard expected of all Arizonans, much less an elected official. When I’ve had an opportunity to learn all the facts and speak with Representative Cook and my colleagues about it, I will announce action the House will take against Representative Cook.”
Cook was elected in 2016 as a state representative for Arizona's 8th Legislative District, representing the central and eastern portions of Pinal County, and the southern portion of Gila County.
Thursday evening, Cook issued a statement on his Facebook page:
"It's bad judgement, it's bad timing, and I'm hoping that he really gets low and humbles himself, apologizes and makes amends. Voters don't appreciate arrogance in their legislators, they don't appreciate someone acting above the law," Barnes said.
