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Michigan lawmaker drops Gov. Whitmer's name during DUI arrest, appeared to threaten troopers, report

"It's going to be very bad for you. I'll call Governor Whitmer right now," the Michigan lawmaker reportedly said to police.

Published: April 26, 2021 8:45am

Updated: April 26, 2021 9:59am

A Michigan state Democratic lawmaker threatened state troopers with political reprisal and mentioned Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's name during a DUI arrest earlier this month, according to a news report. 

The lawmaker has been identified by as state Rep. Jewell Jones, who on April 6 drove his Chevy Tahoe in a ditch on the side of the road before struggling with police when they tried to take him into custody, according to NBC News.

"It's not going to be good for you, I run y'all budget, bro," Jones reportedly told troopers. "If you strike me, it's going to be bad for you, if you hit me, it's going to be very bad for you. I'll call Governor Whitmer right now."

Troopers say Jones had to be taken to the ground, tased twice and pepper-sprayed to during the arrest.

Jones' blood-alcohol content was 0.19, with the legal driving limit being 0.08, according to a police report. A loaded Glock was also found in the cupholder of Jones' vehicle, according to Detroit News.

"Anything he said regarding budgets and the governor was an attempt to stop them from using excessive force," Jones attorney Ali Hammoud told NBC News on Friday.

Jones was charged with resisting arrest, operating a motor vehicle with high blood-alcohol content, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, possession of a weapon while under the influence, and reckless driving. He face up to two years in prison.

Whitmer has yet to comment on the incident.

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