Kentucky state Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton charged with second DUI, reckless driving

A local lawmaker has been arrested for driving under the influence for the second time in four years.

Shively Police arrested Democratic state Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton around 1 a.m. Tuesday on the 1800 block of Garrs Lane.

According to an arrest citation, Chester-Burton was seen driving into oncoming lanes and "sat there for a minute forcing an oncoming vehicle to pass around her." She then pulled into the correct lane but parked in the middle of the road.

When officers approached her, there was a "strong odor of an alcoholic beverage," the citation stated. They also reported her speech being slurred and rapid.

The lawmaker, who represents Kentucky's 44th District, told officers she was returning from Frankfort. Chester-Burton wanted her phone "to call the chief" and attempted to get back into her vehicle multiple times, the arrest citation stated.

Sgt. Jordan Brown said of Shively Police said Chester-Burton did not speak with the department's chief before, during or after the arrest.

Chester-Burton reportedly refused to complete field sobriety tests, telling officers she would "beat it like she did the last one." She also refused to say how much she had been drinking.

While on the way to jail, she allegedly said, "These guys act like they haven't ever been to a birthday party."

Chester-Burton was charged with one count of DUI 2nd Offense and one count of Reckless Driving, Brown said.

She was booked into Louisville Metro Corrections, LMDC spokesperson Maj. Jason Logsdon said.

Chester-Burton previously pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence after she crashed a vehicle in a White Castle parking lot in December 2020. She was the mayor of Shively at the time.

Chester-Burton has not responded to a request for comment.

Reach reporter Eleanor McCrary at EMcCrary@courier-journal.com or at @ellie_mccrary on X, formerly known as Twitter

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky state Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton charged with second DUI, reckless driving