State superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler was arrested last night for driving under the influence.
North Dakota Highway Patrol spokesman Sergeant Wade Kadrmas said a trooper noticed Baesler was driving erratically on I-94, shortly before 10 pm. Kadrmas said the trooper stopped her on Memorial Highway in Mandan. He said the trooper could smell alcohol, and observed the behavior of someone under the influence.
Kadrmas said Baesler refused a breathalyzer and a blood test. She was cited for “care required,” and arrested for DUI.
Baesler was then taken to the Burleigh-Morton Correctional Center in Bismarck. An officer there said she was processed at the Center – and was released shortly thereafter.
In a statement, Baesler said she made a “serious mistake.” She said she let her team at DPI, her family, and herself down – and said she’s “deeply sorry.” Baesler said she will seek help, and “learn from this.”
Baesler was first elected in November, 2012. She had said she is seeking re-election.
