News Summary
North Carolina State Senator Norman Sanderson was charged with driving while impaired after being arrested in Raleigh. He was found with a blood alcohol content of 0.16 and faces additional charges. Following the incident, Sanderson expressed remorse and takes responsibility for his actions. His scheduled court appearance is set for November 7.
Raleigh, North Carolina — North Carolina State Senator Norman Sanderson Charged with DWI
North Carolina Senator Norman Sanderson, 74, was arrested on Saturday near the intersection of Edwards Mill Road and Trinity Road in Raleigh on charges of driving while impaired (DWI). The incident has garnered attention due to Sanderson’s role as a state legislator and the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Details of the Arrest
Authorities from the State Highway Patrol and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suspected impaired driver shortly after 9 p.m. on Saturday night. Sanderson was found at the scene and subsequently taken into custody. During the arrest, he was also charged with failure to obey a traffic officer and transporting an open container of alcohol.
Following the arrest, a breathalyzer test was administered, revealing a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.16, more than double the legal limit of 0.08 in North Carolina. After posting a $2,000 bond, Sanderson was released at 10:42 p.m. the same evening. He is scheduled to appear in Wake County court on November 7.
Statements and Apology
In a public statement following his arrest, Sanderson acknowledged the incident, describing it as a “regrettable mistake” for which he takes full responsibility. He also expressed remorse to his constituents, colleagues, and family. Sanderson commended the professionalism of the officers involved during the incident, indicating his appreciation for their conduct.
Political Background and Previous Citations
Sanderson is a member of the Republican Party, representing several counties in eastern North Carolina, including Carteret, Chowan, Halifax, Hyde, Martin, Pamlico, Warren, and Washington. His political career has included serving multiple terms in the North Carolina Senate, where he is known for his work on various legislative issues.
Historically, Sanderson has had minor violations related to vehicle maintenance. In 2010, he received citations for unsafe tires, a federal vehicle inspection violation, and a “motor vehicle log book” violation. These incidents did not involve criminal charges but are part of his public record.
Additional Context
The incident occurred during the evening hours, a critical time for such violations, raising concerns about public safety. The DWI charge is a serious offense that typically involves legal proceedings, potential penalties, and impacts on a public official’s career. Sanderson’s scheduled court appearance on November 7 will determine subsequent legal steps.
Summary of Key Facts
- Location of arrest: Near the intersection of Edwards Mill Road and Trinity Road, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Date and time: Saturday night, shortly after 9 p.m.
- Individuals involved: Norman Sanderson, North Carolina State Senator, age 74
- Charges: Driving while impaired, failure to obey a traffic officer, transporting an open container of alcohol
- Blood alcohol content (BAC): 0.16
- Bond amount: $2,000
- Release time: 10:42 p.m. on the same night
- Court date: November 7 in Wake County
- Political affiliation: Republican
- Representation: Carteret, Chowan, Halifax, Hyde, Martin, Pamlico, Warren, and Washington counties
Background
Sanderson’s lengthy service as a North Carolina legislator has included multiple terms, during which he has addressed various local and state issues. Despite a clean voting record, his 2010 citations for vehicle-related violations are part of his public history but did not lead to criminal charges.
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Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
