YOU'VE BEEN WEINERED! -- Rep. Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, arrested for DUI at SacCity

YOU'VE BEEN WEINERED! -- Rep. Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, arrested for DUI at SacCity, according to reports confirmed by his office. He was trying to drive into the state Capitol building after 9 p.m. when...

The Sacramento Bee is reporting that California's former Assembly Republican leader was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after his state car allegedly was observed speeding Wednesday night in downtown Sacramento.

(Photo: Garrick with former Gov. Schwarzenegger and Nancy Reagan at Ronald Reagan 100th year birthday commission announcement at the Reagan Library. Garrick, arrested on suspicion of DUI, sponsored legislation in the state Assembly called "Sara's Law" AB 182, that would have deported illegal immigrants if they were found guilty of DUI. Should Garrick be deported to a rehab center, at least? You decide.)

Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, did not attend today's Assembly floor session but released a written statement, saying that driving after drinking alcohol is dangerous and apologizing for his "lapse of judgment," according to the Sacramento Bee. He was alone and headed home at the time, he said.

"I apologize to my family for the embarrassment I have caused them, and I hope they will forgive me for my actions," he said. "I also apologize to my constituents. They have the right to hold their elected representative to a high standard, and I regret that it was one I failed to meet last night."

"I will strive to never let them down again. Last night's incident was isolated, but it served as a stark wake-up call. I promise my family and my constituents in the 74th District that I will never drink and drive again."

Assemblywoman Connie Conway, a Tulare Republican who replaced Garrick as Assembly GOP leader this year, said she was unaware of the details but "my heart and prayers go out to Mr. Garrick and his family during this difficult time."

"We all understand how serious these situations can be," she said.

California Highway Patrol reports said that Garrick was spotted by bicycle officers traveling north on 11th Street at about 45 mph -- 20 mph over the posted speed -- shortly after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Garrick failed to obey a stop sign at O Street, failed to acknowledge officers who were asking him to stop, and proceeded to make a right turn at N Street and drive into the Capitol basement, said Sean Kennedy, CHP spokesman.

The CHP bicycle officers followed Garrick to the Capitol, observed signs of intoxication, conducted field sobriety and chemical tests, then cited and released the legislator on a charge of drunken driving, Kennedy said.

Kennedy declined to discuss why Garrick was not booked into Sacramento County Jail. He said the law precluded him from elaborating other than to say it had nothing to do with his status as a state official.

Elected to the Assembly in 2006, Garrick will be termed out next year. He served briefly as Assembly GOP leader before stepping down last year.

Garrick's arrest Wednesday came hours after the Legislature approved a state budget, through a majority vote by Democrats, after months of bickering between the state's two major parties. Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed that budget plan today.

The former Assembly Republican leader was elected to the Assembly in 2006 and will be termed out next year. He represents the 74th District including Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Vista, and portions of San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside.