Paul Pelosi, the husband of U.S. Congresswoman and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been charged with a misdemeanor hit-and-run offense following an incident in early July in Yountville, California, the Napa County District Attorney announced on Friday.
Details of the incident
According to authorities, Pelosi allegedly crashed into a parked vehicle and left the scene on July 3. No passengers were in the struck car, but it sustained "major" damage. A spokesperson for the Pelosi family stated that Paul apologized to the vehicle's owner and accepted responsibility for the damage.
Pelosi, 86, also faces an infraction for making an unlawful turn in connection with the incident. His arraignment is scheduled for August 14. A representative for Pelosi could not be immediately reached for comment.
Previous traffic violations
Public records show that Pelosi has a history of traffic infractions in California dating back at least to 2011, including citations for failing to stop at a red light, a stop sign violation, and driving to the left of double yellow lines.
In 2022, Pelosi pleaded guilty to misdemeanor driving under the influence charges after a crash in Napa County. California Highway Patrol officers noted slurred speech and a "strong odor of an alcoholic beverage," according to the Associated Press. He was sentenced to five days in jail and three years of probation.
No DUI charge in current case
The Napa County District Attorney's office clarified that Pelosi is not being charged with a DUI in this case, as no evidence indicates he was impaired. The office stated, "The district attorney's office has an ethical obligation to file only those charges that can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt based on the available evidence."
Body camera footage of the alleged hit-and-run will not be released to the public until the conclusion of the case to preserve Pelosi's right to a fair trial, the DA's office said.
