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    • Councilman Arrested For Suspected DUI Save Email Print
    Blood-alchol level at minimum for arrest
    Posted: 9:02 PM May 9, 2008
     Last Updated: 6:04 PM May 10, 2008
    46 comments
    A | A | A

    La Vista City Councilman Robert McLaughlin was arrested Friday night for suspicion of driving under the influence.

    Police say his blood-alcohol level was .08, the minimum amount for an arrest. McLaughlin was stopped around 6 p.m. near 85th and Giles Road.

    He was booked for suspicion of driving under the influence and for having fictitious plates. McLaughlin was released after posting 10-percent of his $2,000 bail.
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    Posted by: Tonda on May 18, 2008 at 02:00 PM
    OK, I've read enough of all this "judge, jury, & executioner" BS!! BAC of.08, come on..the guy had a beer or 2 after work, it was 6:00 in the evening not midnight. Impaired, I highly doubt it!! A danger to society..GET REAL!! As far as the ficticious plates...Have you seen what Nebraska taxes us at?? I personally don't have $3000 just lying around after I bought a vehicle to plate it. Plain and simple our government is corrupt and rapes the consumer anytime they make money or spend money. Why, so the rich can get richer and the poor get poorer. As a councilman (don't quote me exact on this) but it's pretty close to being accurate, he is paid roughly $100-$200 a month to sit at a mandatory meeting at least once a week and make your great city better, while you as a Lavistian are allowed to enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Think about it, Robert has done a darn fine job in his SEVERAL terms representing the needs of his fellow citizens and now you want to assasinate him??? Just my .02 worth
    Posted by: WHO I AM on May 14, 2008 at 03:33 PM
    ALL PEOPLE ARE STILL PEOPLE. ALL PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEM, TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. I UNDERSTAND THAT HE IS A COUNCILMAN, BUT DOES THAT MEAN THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE A LIFE? I AM SURE THAT YOUR EMPLOYER WOULD NOT LIKE TO SEE YOU ON THE NEWS STATING THAT YOU WAS ARRESTED FOR DRINKING AND DRIVING, THAT DOES NOT STOP YOU FROM DOING IT. PEOPLE TAKE ON MULTIPLE ROLES AND CARRY MANY HATS, HE WAS PROBABLY JUST BEING A FRIEND HAVING A DRINK AND HAPPEN TO GET PULLED OVER. OWELL!! BUT ABOUT THE FICTICIOUS PLATES, WOW IF HE IS NOT GETTING PAID ENOUGH TO PURCHASE PLATES WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT OUR CITY, BUT YET THEY WANT TO SPEND ALL OF THIS MONEY ON A NEW STADIUM. THEY NEED TO START WITHIN
    Posted by: Cornell Booth on May 14, 2008 at 02:45 PM
    I really dont understand why people are trying to make excuses for this man. There has been people who commented crimes far less dangerous and get lot harsher consequences (Bill Clinton) Yeah I know we are all human. But you have to ask yourself can you really trust a person who , not only put himself in danger but others as well, to help run your city
    Posted by: The Original Cop on May 13, 2008 at 03:06 PM
    At .08 you are DUI. .079 you are not. And actually the way the law is you can be convicted of DUI being less than .08 if you are so impaired that you can't function during sobriety tests etc. A fist time drinker that can't hold their liquor may be a .07, but if they can't stand up or speak coherently etc. they could still get convicted of DUI.
    Posted by: cj on May 12, 2008 at 11:48 PM
    question for the law, thought you had to be at .081 to get arrested. The limit is .0800 everyone needs to understand the law. Not saying that drinking and driving should not be condoned but what exactly is the law????
    Posted by: OG Cop on May 12, 2008 at 09:13 PM
    Hats off the the fine men and women of the La Vista PD for not letting this guy go. I'm proud of yao!!
    Posted by: Fake Name on May 12, 2008 at 08:40 PM
    To Steve: I wasn't commenting on the incident and the story itself. My comments were more directed towards 'Hannah' and 'omaha'. I am in know way defending or condoning Mr. McLaughlin's actions. I guess I am confused as to how this story and this incident have ANYTHING to do with a Omaha vs La Vista rivalry? By the way, I do not live in La Vista and they are NOT technically a part of Omaha. Different city government, different city services, different county. I know what you're getting at, but you did use the word "technically".
    Posted by: Out there on May 12, 2008 at 07:35 PM
    Again, people want his job, and he hasn't even had his day in court. Speeding kills many people everyday, and who of us has never exceeded the speed limit. And the one who said to recall him becasue people tried to recall Fahey, and it was said that Fahey has done nothing wrong. Just wait, his wrongs will come out.
    Posted by: Steve on May 12, 2008 at 11:21 AM
    To Fake Name...who cares if it's Omaha or LaVista??? The point is this...LaVista IS "techinically" part of Omaha & this "councilman" is supposed to represent you in fine fashion. When it comes to stories like this, EVERYONE needs to know, even if you live across county lines...PERIOD!
    Posted by: Biff on May 12, 2008 at 10:41 AM
    Jack, I disagree. Elected officials who are supposed to uphold the law (and make new, good ones) SHOULD be held to a higher standard and SHOULD do everything to ensure that their behavior is above reproach. I'm struggling with those who consider drinking and driving to be some type of "mistake" - it really trivializes it. You should KNOW when you've had one (or several) too many and call a taxi. Drinking and driving is a CHOICE that can come with some deadly consequences not just for the drunk, but in most cases, for an innocent victim.
    Posted by: Krissy on May 12, 2008 at 10:08 AM
    and ppl blame society on the youth. i mean everyone does it atleast once im sure, but its always the kids fault. when its a councilman, "he made a mistake" yeah right. but yep, its not his fault and its all the youth...
    Posted by: S on May 12, 2008 at 09:08 AM
    And the residents of La Vista almost had everyone thinking they were better.... almost!
    Posted by: to ALLEN on May 12, 2008 at 06:20 AM
    TO Allen- Since the cops are the way they are there. You don't have people getting shot every day. It's the small stuff that leads to the big stuff and since the cops have nothing better to do as you suggest. It must mean they are doing their jobs.
    Posted by: jack on May 12, 2008 at 06:17 AM
    Hannah - Omaha wouldn't be here If bellevue wasn't here.
    Posted by: Fake Name on May 12, 2008 at 01:24 AM
    What does a 'La Vista's better than Omaha' and vice versa have anything to do with this? He's a La Vista City councilman arrested in La Vista by La Vista police. How is this any of the people of Omaha's concern? Go to bed kids! You have all summer to save up your animosity and hatred for the high school football games against each other.
    Posted by: John on May 11, 2008 at 09:12 PM
    As a LaVistian, I'm ashamed at this guy being a member of our Council. He needs to resign. We don't think we're "better" than those in Omaha,that's an irresponsible statement. There's too many idiots all around us. Maybe this guy will step up and do the right thing and resign since this isn't the first time he has embarrassed the city.
    Posted by: Hannah on May 11, 2008 at 04:59 PM
    haha. i agree. LaVista people think there so much better then us in Omaha, well they wouldnt be here if omaha wasnt!!!
    Posted by: omaha on May 11, 2008 at 03:03 PM
    I love how La Vista people are saying don't judge him he made a mistake, and when it's an omaha politian you bash and bash, People from La Vista and Papillion think their little town and people are perfect, and when they do mess up look at their responses.
    Posted by: The Original Cop on May 11, 2008 at 02:41 PM
    Wow Allen good stuff. Since he was right at the limit the cops should find something better to do. I'm sure you'd be singing the same tune if he killed someone in your family. Idiot! It's in Sarpy county so if it is his first offense he'll likely get diversion. Maybe he'll learn.
    Posted by: jp on May 11, 2008 at 02:14 PM
    Wow Allen, your one of those that gripe about cops whether they do their job or don't. Nothing better to do huh? Guess all those people that lost loved ones to alcohol related accidents feel the same way about this like you. I mean, I guess its okay to get drunk and kill people. Unfortunately, DUI's stick out because they are the easiest to catch and easiest to convict on. You can plainly see a drunk weaving all over the road but catching a thief in someone's home is a little harder. But I guess you would know, with all your experience in crime fighting...Batboy.
    Posted by: Liz on May 11, 2008 at 01:46 PM
    Has anyone noticed he also had "fictitious plates." That is also a serious issue, in addition to a DUI.
    Posted by: To Joe on May 11, 2008 at 12:44 PM
    Are you saying that since he's .08 then let him go. He's driving illegally and had bogus plates. The police officers did what they are obligated to do. Nothing more or less. The County Attornet doesn't need a BAC to be .09 to prosecute, the limit is .08. If the guy pleas something so be it, however, to say the police officers only arrested him because of his political position is stupid. Yes, the ex-sheriff is running against him. I highly doubt that had anything to do with the guy's arrest. Be above the law, register your car like the rest of u(thereby paying your taxes), and don't drink and drive. I hope they keep his car until he pays his taxes. Thanks to the police for making our roads safe, even at 6pm on a weekday with a suspected drunk driver on the street. You go LaVista!
    Posted by: BUILDR on May 11, 2008 at 09:21 AM
    Wow, 2 beers & he's ruined his life.....just think what 3 beers would've done... as far as the f. plates / NE has just to much a tax on vehicals,PERIOD!!
    Posted by: Joe on May 11, 2008 at 01:01 AM
    Obviously a stupid mistake on the part of the councilman. But La Vista has become the fastest growing city in Nebraska under his watch. The DUI will not stick if it's at .08. They need .09 or higher to remove reasonable doubt and the cops know it. As such, the arrest appears to be a political statement. Remember he is running against an ex-sherrif for county commissioner.
    Posted by: Bill on May 10, 2008 at 10:58 PM
    Joe..I agree there is no excuse. However do you know more people are killed on Omaha roads for speeding,running red lights and talking on a cell phones or driving tired,than with DUI's? So if you do any of those,be prepared to get the lethal injection as you want this person to receive. He made a mistake,will lose his job more than likely as he should and it will haunt him for a long time. Not to condone what he did..but I am positive you have done some of the other things I have mentioned.
    Posted by: Jack on May 10, 2008 at 10:48 PM
    Ok..He made a mistake,he is human,as are the approximate 31-33% of drivers have at least one DUI. That is a statistical fact. Just because he is council person we should not be treating him any better or any worse for this mistake. If you speed,run yellow lights,don't use a turn signal,talk on your cell phone,or anything else that is not safe to do while you drive,and you are criticizing him for this,you are all nothing but hypocrites and need to look in the mirror. He is a person and we all make mistakes,some much worse than others,but does not mean we should crucify him.
    Posted by: Dave on May 10, 2008 at 10:39 PM
    This is why I generally hate the media. If we are going to report this DUI then report them all. Just because he is a councilman,does not mean he is anymore or anyless of a person if the make mistakes. There are people with multiple DUI's that nobody ever hears about...until they kill someone. The fact is DUI's,although bad and should not happen,happen more than we think. So WOWT,KETV,KMTV,whatever station,report them all or none its really not right to pick and choose.
    Posted by: Allen on May 10, 2008 at 09:59 PM
    I'm sure the cops were out to get him. He was only barely past the limit. I know how the cops are in that place. Find something better to do.
    Posted by: To Henry on May 10, 2008 at 08:17 PM
    This isn't some small town out in the sticks. La Vista is one of the fastest growing cities in the state. Polititians aren't anymore influential there than in Omaha. The police did their job and should not have to be commended for that, but at the same time they should... for everything they do!
    Posted by: Jerry on May 10, 2008 at 07:59 PM
    Wow, what a great representative of our city. I hope that he gets the max under the law. Good job to the cop that stoped him. It dosn't matter who you are, you are not above the law.
    Posted by: Joe on May 10, 2008 at 07:49 PM
    This elected official that so disgracefully represents the people needs to be tried, convicted and executed. There is NO EXCUSE for ANYONE to drive drunk.
    Posted by: Me on May 10, 2008 at 04:47 PM
    He probably got elected by the many people just like him in La Vista. The ones who sit at the local bars all day. Glad they arrested him, is he up for election? If not I say RECALL, that is worse than what Fahey has done. This guy broke the law.
    Posted by: Henry on May 10, 2008 at 03:35 PM
    Wonder if the cops or the chief will be in hot water. You know who the smaller towns are.
    Posted by: Bud on May 10, 2008 at 02:58 PM
    I am still waiting to read a coment from someone, saying, what a great guy he is, he's never done anything like this before, and he is just a great all around church going father. Anyone want to defend this numbskull? At least they got him off the street before he wiped anyone out.
    Posted by: Jim on May 10, 2008 at 02:20 PM
    Don't worry he will get into the diversion program! He'll be fine.
    Posted by: jp on May 10, 2008 at 02:13 PM
    How is it that the very people that are there to make changes in our community and delegate city ordinances don't hold themselves to a higher standard? I guess not all people with some kind of authority get away.
    Posted by: Keith on May 10, 2008 at 02:09 PM
    Kudos to the cops for not giving in to political pressure and letting him go. That's the way it should be handled, you drive drunk you go to jail. Wonder how many times he's gotten away with this in the past??? Lets hope the city leaders don't come down on the police now.
    Posted by: AA on May 10, 2008 at 12:49 PM
    I have a hard time with this DWI and having fictitious plates. Anyone that drink could receive a DWI but the fictitious plates. HELLO LaVista I something Wrong with a City of Lavista letting him stay in office as Councilman.
    Posted by: Terrell on May 10, 2008 at 12:00 PM
    er, NO MATTER-become an educated voter and make correct statements- they can't elect him, he ain't running for their council, he wants to be on the COUNTY BOARD. Doubtful he'll get elected but as many unehtical people there are in that group . . .
    Posted by: Tom on May 10, 2008 at 09:57 AM
    Friday 6pm? Got an early start for the weekend huh? Looks like he's got some explaining to do on the booze and fictitious plates. He'll come up with some excuse and get re-elected.
    Posted by: jim on May 10, 2008 at 08:35 AM
    Drunk driving, what about the plates! What a "great" council man!
    Posted by: Jos on May 10, 2008 at 07:21 AM
    Don't be a councilman and drive drunk? Maybe you mean don't drive drunk whoever you are. It's just another elected official who thinks he is above the law.
    Posted by: David on May 10, 2008 at 07:04 AM
    WOW, driving drunk and fictitious plates. This idiot really wanted to make the news.
    Posted by: You Don't Know Me on May 10, 2008 at 03:20 AM
    Nevermind being a councilman in Sarpy County- Just DON'T DRIVE DRUNK !!
    Posted by: No Matter on May 10, 2008 at 12:50 AM
    No matter, they'll re-elect him anyway.
    Posted by: Randy on May 9, 2008 at 11:44 PM
    Geeze, don't be a councilman in Sarpy county and drive drunk!!
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