Washington State Democrat Krista Perez Arrested for DUI, Video Shows Incident

<p>Krista Perez, a Democrat candidate for a state House seat in Washington, was arrested for DUI on August 11, 2026. Police video footage shows her admitting to drinking wine, declining field sobriety tests, and expressing a desire to go home while in the back of a patrol car.</p><p>Perez, who finished first in the primary for the 29th Legislative District, Position 1, will compete against incumbent state Rep. Melanie Morgan in the November general election.</p><p>According to Tacoma Police, Perez's 2019 Chevrolet Silverado allegedly struck a parked car on South G Street shortly after midnight, causing damage to five vehicles. She has been charged with DUI, including a refusal enhancement related to her interaction with police.</p><p>Body camera footage shows Perez being questioned after the crash. Initially, she claimed she was not involved in an accident and expressed confusion about the situation. When asked about alcohol consumption, she stated she had one glass of wine.</p><p>During the interaction, the officer asked her to rate her sobriety on a scale of zero to ten, to which she responded with a four. The officer explained that field sobriety tests were voluntary, but Perez declined to participate, repeatedly stating she wanted to go home.</p><p>After declining the tests, she was informed she was under arrest for DUI. The arrest report indicates that the refusal enhancement relates to her failure to provide a usable breath sample at Tacoma Police headquarters after three attempts.</p><p>In the patrol car, Perez was seen sobbing and praying, asking for divine assistance. State law does not prevent individuals with a DUI charge from serving in the legislature. Other lawmakers have retained their positions following alcohol-related incidents.</p><p>House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon previously acknowledged drinking alcohol before a House Appropriations Committee hearing, stating he took responsibility for his actions.</p>