Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, a Mormon who in the past has been outspoken about his abstinence from alcohol, was arrested early Sunday morning in Alexandria, Va., and charged with driving under the influence.

According to his office, Crapo (pronounced KRAY’-poh) was pulled over for running a red light and subsequently arrested on suspicion of DUI after failing multiple sobriety tests. Authorities say Crapo’s blood alcohol level was .11. In Virginia, anything above .08 is considered intoxicated.

The senator was booked into jail and later released on $1,000 bail.

On Sunday evening, Crapo apologized. “I am deeply sorry for the actions that resulted in this circumstance. I made a mistake for which I apologize to my family, my Idaho constituents and any others who have put their trust in me. I accept total responsibility and will deal with whatever penalty comes my way in this matter,” he said in a statement. “I will also undertake measures to ensure that this circumstance is never repeated.”

The 61-year-old Republican, who is serving his third term in the Senate, is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 4.

— Posted by Tracy Bloom.

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#crime#drunk driving#dui#gop#idaho#republicans#senate#virginia