State Representative Arrested After DWI Car Accident

Texas State Representative Dan Huberty (R-Humble) was arrested and transported to the Montgomery County jail late Friday under suspicion of DWI after a car accident in Porter.

Officers with the Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable’s office responded to an automobile accident involving Huberty’s Corvette and a minivan. Huberty blew through a red light and crashed into the minivan, lodging under it. The people in the minivan sustained minor injuries but were not taken to the hospital. Huberty was uninjured.

Huberty appeared to be intoxicated and was given a field sobriety test, which he failed. Huberty however told the officers that he could not be arrested because he was on the way back from the legislature, which is in session. Texas state law protects legislators from being arrested while traveling to or from the capitol during the legislative session except for reasons of, “treason, felony, or breach of the peace.”

Montgomery County District attorney Brett Ligon went ahead and ordered Huberty to be arrested, reasoning that the representative’s conduct was “a breach of the peace.” Huberty was arrested, booked into the Montgomery County Jail, and his Corvette was impounded.

Huberty issued a statement the following morning acknowledging his fault and admitting to being under the influence. He said that he is seeking treatment.

“Last night I was driving under the influence of alcohol and involved in a minor automobile accident in Montgomery County,” said Huberty. “Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. I regret my actions and apologize to my constituents and my family. I know I have a problem and this incident serves as wake-up call for me. I am seeking treatment options to begin today.”

Huberty’s DWI arrest will probably not come as much of a surprise to longtime capitol observers. A video recorded by the American Phoenix Project back in 2015 showed Huberty coming off the House floor, apparently intoxicated.

Huberty represents House District 127, which encompasses Humble and Kingwood in Harris County.