HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The Democratic Party of Guam’s executive director was arrested earlier today and subsequently charged with driving while impaired.
Chirag Bhojwani was also charged with transporting an open container of alcohol in a vehicle.
His blood alcohol content was 0.16, according to the complaint filed against him in the Superior Court of Guam. That is twice the legal limit of 0.08.
In addition to being the Guam Democrats’ executive director, Bhojwani is the director of policy and communications for Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes.
He has been placed on leave from his legislative job.
The vice speaker issued this statement: “My family and I nearly lost our lives to a drunk driver, and I wouldn’t wish that kind of pain on anyone. I care deeply about Chirag personally and professionally, and I’m hurt and upset over any possibility that he may have placed his life or the lives of others at risk by driving under the influence. While I don’t know the facts of the case, I trust the legal system and know that everyone involved will be treated fairly. In the meantime, Chirag is on leave until I can determine the best steps going forward.”
According to the prosecution in court documents, a police report was made about a possible vehicle crash. When police responded, Bhojwani was found standing at the rear of a 2017 GMC Canyon on Route 14 in Tumon.
A police officer could smell alcohol on Bhojwani who had bloodshot, watery eyes, according to the magistrate complaint.
When asked about alcohol consumption, Bhojwani initially said something to the effect of “I want my lawyer here,” the court document states.
When the officer asked Bhojwani to perform the standardized field sobriety test, he insisted on changing his shoes to a pair of golf shoes but eventually lost his balance when he lifted one foot, according to the court document.
While police were talking to Bhojwani, he asked to retrieve his phone from the vehicle. The officers agreed and an open bottler of beer was found between a golf bag and the rear seat. The bottle was cold and 3/4 full, the court document states.
Bhojwani was one of five people listed as newly confined at the Department of Corrections as of 7:30 a.m., March 16.
Three others were confined for unrelated assault charges and the fifth one had an outstanding warrant of arrest.
Chirag Bhojwani
