While being placed under arrest for DUI earlier this month, a state legislator from North Dakota allegedly made disparaging and homophobic words to a police officer, according to the authorities.
According to a report from the Williston Police Department, Republican Representative Nico Rios was detained on December 15 and given a citation for DUI, DUI refusal, and having an open container.
Rios’ car veered out of his lane about 11:30 p.m., prompting officers to pull him over, according to the police report.
During the investigation, Rios displayed “slurred speech and issue constructing sentences” in the Walk and Turn, One-Leg-Stand, and Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus tests, according to the police report.
Throughout the testing process, Rios became “verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive, and discriminatory,” according to a police report written by one of the officers.
According to the article, Rios was taken into custody after declining to take a screening test.
Rep. Rios told CNN in a statement that “whether or not I was drunk, my actions and words to law enforcement that night were absolutely unacceptable.” When two police officers encountered me one night and I chose to act like a moron, they were only performing their jobs and keeping the town safe. They didn’t do anything to merit being treated disrespectfully. I promise to ensure that this never occurs again because I owe it to everyone, including myself and my district.
Rios made the comments both during his arrest and on the way to the jail, according to body camera footage that was made public the night of the incident.
During the traffic stop, Rios made it a point to question an officer’s nationality from the back of the police car after calling one of the cops a homophobic slur. Rios said that he is “originally from England” in response to the state representative’s question about his accent. Rios then said that migrants are “taking over” England.
“Are you going to arrest me for driving home when individuals enter your nation and sexually assault your women? And I’m the one at fault? Among other things, Rios is heard stating in the video.
While seated in the back of the police cruiser, the state legislator also made threats to contact state Attorney General Drew Wrigley. The AG’s office has been contacted by CNN for comment.
Rios stated in his statement, “Going forward after this night, I feel like I have to emphasize my complete and total commitment to supporting Law Enforcement.” “I really apologize; I made a huge mistake.”
Rios’ next court appearance is scheduled for January 4, as per the police file. The North Dakota Courts web database does not have any information regarding Rios’ case, and when CNN asked about the progress of his case over the weekend, we did not hear back.