NY Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb Charged With DUI

VICTOR, NY — Days after urging New Yorkers to drink responsibly over the New Year's holiday, Republican Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb has been charged with drinking and driving following a crash near his home.

Authorities responded to a property damage wreck Tuesday evening on County Route 41 in Victor, the Democrat & Chronicle reported. There they found Kolb and a 2018 GMC Arcadia. No one was hurt.

The Assemblyman was taken into custody and charged with unsafe turn and DWI with a blood-alcohol content over .08 percent, the Ontario County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Kolb was expected to appear in court at a later date.

In a statement to media outlets, Kolb's office confirmed he was charged with DUI near his home and apologized to his family, friends, colleagues and constituents.

"This was a terrible lapse in judgment, one I have urged others not to make, and I take full responsibility for it," he said.

On Dec. 24, the lawmaker wrote an article in the Daily Messenger urging people to avoid drinking and driving, even writing that tragedy was just "one bad decision away."

"Drunk driving is not only dangerous to the driver, but to vehicle passengers, bystanders and other drivers," Kolb wrote. "Please consider the ramifications of impaired driving, especially as we prepare to close out 2019 and welcome in a new decade."

Kolb, of Canandaigua, represents the 131st District, which includes Ontario County and part of Seneca County.

There is no excuse for driving impaired this holiday season. Celebrate with friends & family responsibly & plan ahead to use a car service, designated driver or public transportation https://t.co/35wDaT8A1D
— Brian Kolb (@GOPLdrBrianKolb) December 26, 2019