OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Representative Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond, was arrested for driving beneath the affect late Oct. 26; nonetheless, an Oklahoma Constitutional statute might point out the lawmaker was exempt from such arrest due to the current special legislative session.
In bodycam video from the Edmond Police Department, Martinez is seen in his white Toyota 4-Runner with the engine operating when officers confronted him.
The officers instructed Martinez they’d acquired a name saying he confirmed up intoxicated to Patriarch in downtown Edmond.
Martinez admits on digital camera to having a number of drinks.
Following a discipline sobriety check, Martinez had the next dialog with the officers on scene:
OFFICER: “as far as i know, the regular session ended in may.”
MARTINEZ: “yes sir”
OFFICER: “But you’re saying right now you’re in some kind of special session.”
MARTINEZ: “We’ve been in special session the whole time sir. it never ends.”
OFFICER: “Who oversees your special session?”
MARTINEZ: “The governor and the speaker of the house… Would you like me to call Kevin Stitt right now?”
Ultimately, Rep. Martinez was arrested and booked into Edmond’s jail.
However, the explanation he requested to name Gov. Stitt is the House desk stays open and the Senate has adjourned to the decision of the Chair.
According to KFOR’s Capitol Bureau Chief, Nick Camper, which means lawmakers are nonetheless in a particular session.
The Oklahoma Constitution states:
Senators and Representatives shall, aside from treason, felony, or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest through the session of the Legislature, and in going to and coming back from the identical, and, for any speech or debate in both House, shall not be questioned in some other place.
ARTICLE 5, SECTION 22
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt called for a 3rd Special Session in May, which continues to be ongoing.
Edmond Police are unable to inform News 4 if the DUI arrest was a felony or misdemeanor.
KFOR reached out to Martinez’s workplace. They didn’t have a press release on the arrest.
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