State Rep. Jeff Hale, a Republican from Hernando, was arrested Friday night by the Hernando Police Department on charges including driving under the influence, reckless driving, speeding, and disorderly conduct, according to police records.
Hale was booked into the DeSoto County detention center, posted a $1,500 bond, and has since been released, police records show. It is his first DUI charge, the records indicate.
Hale did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and it was unclear if he has legal representation. The Hernando Police Department did not respond to a request for comment.
In a statement to the DeSoto Times-Tribune, Hale said he received a call from his son and daughter-in-law informing him that his granddaughter was unconscious and en route to the hospital. Hale said he was providing instructions over the phone while traveling to meet his family at the hospital.
He apologized to law enforcement for his actions but denied being under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicants. Hale has served in the Mississippi Legislature since 2016 and is the chairman of the House Energy Committee.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
