Nebraska State Senator and former Omaha Fire Chief Mike McDonnell was arrested early Thursday morning for drunk driving.
The Nebraska State Patrol pulled the 52 year old McDonnell over just before 1:00 in Sarpy County for failing to stay in his lane.
McDonnell was cited for misdemeanor DUI and refusing to submit to a test. The driving under the influence charge is his first offense.
On the floor of the legislature Thursday morning told his fellow lawmakers, "We are held to a higher standard. I'm not here to represent myself. We should not make decisions that would affect our district or the state negatively. I take full responsibility for my actions and the decisions I make. But I also need to apologize to this body for making a decision that was more about me than the people I'm representing in my district and the great state of Nebraska."
He also told lawmakers "I also want to apologize to my wife and son and the people of my district and the members of the legislature which I'm honored and proud to serve."
McDonnell was elected in 2016 to the District 5 seat representing South Omaha in the legislature. Prior to that he worked in the Omaha Fire Department for 24 years and served as chief for six years.
As a member of the state legislature, any court action in the case will have to wait until the current session is over.