DENVER - A member of the state legislature was suspended from her committee post on Friday over a driving incident earlier in the week.
According to Denver Police, State Rep. Laura Bradford (R-Grand Junction) made an illegal turn and was driving erratically on Wednesday around 10 p.m.
Police pulled her over and conducted a field-sobriety test. Police could not detain her longer because of a state statute that says a legislator cannot be detained if they are going to or from the State Capitol.
Bradford was driving a state-issued vehicle.
Police say Bradford was cited for making an illegal turn and making an illegal lane change. Her car was parked and she then took a taxi to her next destination.
Police say the law that kept officers from detaining Bradford was passed decades ago and is part of the Colorado constitution. It was put on the books to keep law enforcement agencies from interfering with state business, including keeping a state lawmaker from reaching the Capitol to attend a vote.
Friday, Bradford was suspended from her post as chairwoman of the House Local Government Committee. Rep. Libby Szabo (R-Arvada) will now serve as chair.
Bradford released a statement on Friday night: "I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of the people of my district and Colorado. I understand the Speaker's decision, and I look forward to having the facts brought to light."
(KUSA-TV © 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)
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