MONTREAL — Liberal MP Pablo Rodriguez has been charged with refusing to obey a police officer following a traffic accident involving his car.
Rodriguez held a news conference Friday to describe the incident, which took place last month.
After that car accident, the Montreal-area MP said he agreed to a breathalyzer test but was unable to blow into the machine satisfactorily enough for the officer.
Rodriguez said he would fight the charge.
“I take this situation seriously. Because I think I behaved correctly in this entire affair, I intend to defend myself in court,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez represents Honore-Mercier and has been an MP since 2004. His riding is in Montreal’s east end, while the traffic accident occurred across town in west-end Notre-Dame-de-Grace.
He offered few details about the accident and declined to answer when asked if another car was involved.
But Rodriguez did say he would not face any alcohol-related charges.
“The case revolves entirely around this (breathalyzer incident),” Rodriguez said.
“There are no other charges — like, for instance, driving under the influence. There are no others.”