A California lawmaker who was found intoxicated by police officers while attending a conference has claimed she was the victim of an unknown crime.
Alameda City Councilmember Trish Herrera Spencer required medical attention after she was found in the early hours of last Friday.
Spencer had been attending a League of California Cities conference in Long Beach before authorities found her at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Broadway.
First responders transported her to a nearby hospital where she was given medical treatment. Long Beach Police Department have ruled it a medical emergency.
While officers have said there was no crime, Spencer issued a statement she had sustained ‘serious injuries’ and was the victim of a crime.
Alameda City Councilmember Trish Herrera Spencer required medical attention after she was found in the early hours of last Friday
Spencer had been attending a League of California Cities conference in Long Beach before authorities found her at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Broadway, seen here
In a statement, Spencer said she had suffered a concussion that had left her with ‘little recollection’ of the incident.
She also claims that she lost valuable personal belongings, and did not mention any use of alcohol in it.
She said: ‘I have little recollection of the event. I believe I was the victim of a crime. I am still suffering from my injuries, including a concussion.
‘Prior to suffering my injuries, I left a Conference related function around 11 p.m. I was not arrested or charged by the police.
‘I was treated by EMS and ER staff in Long Beach for medical attention. Notwithstanding my injuries, I was able to catch my scheduled flight home on Friday afternoon and began follow-up treatment early the next morning.
‘Follow-up treatment at a local hospital ER Department documented a concussion and abrasions and bruising to the top and side of my head as well as bruises on the inside and outside of my arms.
‘My medical provider explained that she was required by law to file a Suspicious Injury Report, which is required when there’s a reasonable suspicion that my injuries were from an assault or abusive conduct by a third person against me, etc.
‘Some of my valuable personal belongings, including jewelry, are missing. It’s been an honor to serve you and volunteer alongside you for the past 25+ years.’
In a statement, Spencer said she had suffered a concussion that had left her with ‘little recollection’ of the incident
Spencer had previously been elected as the Mayor of Alameda, serving from 2014 to 2018
Her statement closed: ‘Thank you to all of you who have and continue to support me in my recovery from this horrific event.’
According to The Mercury News, the incident involving Spencer isn’t the first to face her which involved alcohol.
Her husband Joel filed a claim against Alameda and its police department after he was arrested for DUI on St. Patrick’s Day in 2016.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and then sought compensation for character defamation, bodily injuries, and the costs of the proceedings.
The conference is described as an event for local governments who are ‘looking tot take their organization to the next level’.
Spencer had previously been elected as the Mayor of Alameda, serving from 2014 to 2018.
