Hedalen apologizes after DUI arrest

Montana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction has apologized for a “lapse in judgment” that led to her being arrested and charged with driving under the influence in late June. 

Republican Susie Hedalen, who was elected to the statewide office for the first time last November, was pulled over in the early hours of Sunday, June 22, by a Belgrade police officer, according to court filings. 

Hedalen’s arrest was first reported by Lee newspapers.

In a court affidavit, the arresting officer recounted observing a vehicle driving 50 miles per hour in a 35 MPH zone northbound on Jackrabbit Lane. The car then approached an intersection to make left turn and “almost cut off several vehicles that had the right of way,” the officer said. 

During the subsequent traffic stop, according to the affidavit, the driver, later identified as Hedalen, was slow to roll down the window and appeared to have a “dazed expression.” The officer described the driver’s eyes as “bloodshot and watery,” said he smelled “the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle,” and said Hedalen was “slurring her speech” during their conversation.

Hedalen reportedly acknowledged having “one glass of wine,” according to the court filing. The officer said that, after completing field sobriety tests, Hedalen was determined to be “under the influence of alcohol.” She declined to provide a breath sample and was later taken to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital for a blood alcohol test to be sent to the Montana State Crime Lab for assessment, court records said. 

An attorney for Hedalen did not respond to a request for comment Monday afternoon.

Hedalen’s chief of staff said the event occurred while the superintendent was not on official business, and provided a prepared statement on her behalf.

“I apologize and take full responsibility for my lapse in judgment that led to this incident. I want to thank the Belgrade Police for their professionalism and commitment to public safety. As I move forward from this personal issue, it will in no way impact my service to the people of Montana,” Hedalen said.

The Montana Democratic Party on Friday said Hedalen’s arrest “undermines public confidence in her leadership” and called for her resignation. 

“Hedalen made a dangerous decision to put lives at risk, and we demand full accountability and believe she must step down immediately,” said party Board Chair Robyn Driscoll.

A spokesperson for the Montana GOP declined Monday to comment on the matter and referred to the superintendent’s previously issued statement.  

Court records indicate that the charge is Hedalen’s first DUI offense and that she does not have any prior convictions. She was released from the Gallatin County Detention Center the same day as her arrest after posting an $885 cash bond.

Hedalen is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment July 8.