Kansas Senate majority leader had blood alcohol twice legal limit, called officer ‘donut boy’

Kansas state Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop (R), who was arrested last month for suspicion of driving under the influence, allegedly had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit at the time of his arrest.

According to an affidavit recently submitted by Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Austin Shepley, Suellentrop’s blood alcohol level was .17. The legal limit is .08, Lawrence Journal-World reported. The Kansas lawmaker also reportedly called Shepley “donut boy” at some point during the incident.

The outlet noted that Suellentrop was transported to a local hospital after he refused to take a Breathalyzer test.

“While the phlebotomist was administering the blood kit, Gene Suellentrop’s demeanor becoming slightly aggressive in his tone, he made reference to physically going up against me,” Shepley said told the outlet. “He looked me up and down, stating he played state sports competitively in high school. He stated he could ‘take me.’”

The Hill has reached out to Suellentrop for comment.

The Republican state lawmaker was booked into the Shawnee County Jail last month and has been charged with driving under influence of drugs or alcohol, fleeing or attempting to flee from a law enforcement officer, speeding and improperly crossing a divided highway.

He has stepped away from most of his legislative duties until the case is resolved, according to Lawrence Journal-World.