Watch video...
Local Congressman Vito Fossella was charged with a DWI Tuesday after being arrested in Virginia overnight.Hours after news broke of his arrest, Fossella released a statement saying:
"Last night I made an error in judgment. As a parent, I know that taking even one drink of alcohol before getting behind the wheel of a car is wrong. I apologize to my family and the constituents of the 13th Congressional District for embarrassing them, as well as myself."
Fossella's communication director had no immediate comment on the report.
Police in Alexandria said the congressman was held for about six hours overnight and was released just before 8 a.m. this morning.
This is Fossella's first DWI arrest, and so police said if he is convicted on any related charges, he would likely face a fine and not jail time.
The legal limit in the state is a blood alcohol level of .08.
As of Thursday night, Fossella had not yet been charged, and there was no word on whether Fossella took a breathalyzer.
Fossella was elected to Congress in 1997. His district includes Staten Island and portions of Brooklyn.
Steve Harrison, Fossella's Democratic rival in the 2006 election, said in a released statement, "As elected officials and potential elected officials, we have an obligation to set an example for society. Lawmakers cannot expect the people to follow the laws if they themselves disregard them."
Fossella is up for reelection this year.
Published reports say Fossella is next due in Alexandria General District Court on May 12.
