(The following was written by Matt Gentile in the Aug. 31, 2011 issue of the Examiner. Some style has been changed to fit a web format)
State Rep. Randy Ramey (R-Carol Stream) was cited earlier this week for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Ramey was pulled over by the Carol Stream Police Department at 2:10 a.m. on Sunday while heading westbound on Lies Road, according to the department’s report.
Carol Stream Police Chief Kevin Orr said Ramey was pulled over on improper lane usage and drifting into oncoming traffic.
Ramey blew a 0.179 on a breathalyzer test, which is slightly twice over the legal limit. He was then released on an individual bond, which promises a perpetrator arrive in court for a hearing, Orr said.
“He was very, very cooperative,” Orr said during a phone interview Tuesday. “He was given four sobriety tests and failed all of them.”
Ramey, 48, released a written statement apologizing for the incident.
“On Sunday morning I was issued a citation by the Carol Stream Police Department for driving under the influence of alcohol,” Ramey said in the statement. “I regret and take full responsibility for my actions and I am prepared to face the consequences. I am deeply sorry to disappoint my family and my constituents.”
Illinois House Republican Spokeswoman Vicki Crawford had no new details to give but said that Ramey was “at a restaurant bar visiting the owner.”
When asked if the House Republican’s cared to comment on the situation, Crawford said, “we’re just sticking with (Ramey’s statement) and the facts given to us.”
Ramey, 48, took over as chairman of the county’s Republican Party in July, filling in for Former Chairman Dan Cronin. Ramey is also the stepson of former State Senate President James Philip from Wood Dale.
