Krista Perez, a Democrat candidate for a state House seat in Washington, was arrested for DUI after allegedly striking a parked car, causing damage to five vehicles. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on August 11, 2026. Police body camera footage shows Perez admitting to drinking wine and declining field sobriety tests before praying and crying in the back of a patrol car.
Perez, who finished first in the primary for the 29th Legislative District and will face incumbent state Rep. Melanie Morgan in the November election, was charged with DUI and a refusal enhancement related to her interaction with police. According to Tacoma Police, Perez's vehicle, a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, was involved in the collision on South G Street.
In the footage, Perez initially claimed she did not understand what was happening and denied being involved in an accident. When questioned about her alcohol consumption, she stated she had one glass of wine. Despite being offered voluntary field sobriety tests, she repeatedly expressed a desire to go home and ultimately declined to participate.
Following her arrest, Perez was informed that she was under arrest for DUI. Under Washington state law, declining roadside sobriety tests is not mandatory, and the refusal enhancement relates to her inability to provide a usable breath sample at the police headquarters.
Inside the patrol car, Perez was recorded sobbing and praying, asking for divine assistance. Washington state law does not prohibit individuals with DUI charges from serving in the legislature. Other lawmakers, including House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, have continued their roles after alcohol-related incidents, with Fitzgibbon acknowledging his actions in a statement to the media.