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Beacon Hill Democrat Busted for OUI, Allegedly Fled Crash Scene

Wednesday, July 16, 2025
4 min read
MDN Staff
Beacon Hill Democrat Busted for OUI, Allegedly Fled Crash Scene

Beacon Hill lawmaker John Lawn (D-Watertown) accused of hit-and-run, slurred speech, and refusing breathalyzer after late-night crash

BOSTON — A Beacon Hill Democrat was busted in the dead of night after allegedly crashing his car, fleeing the scene, and telling police, “I’m a state rep,” as they found him slurring, stumbling, and reeking of booze.

First reported by WCVB, State Rep. John Lawn (D-Watertown) was arrested around 1:45 a.m. Wednesday near Beacon and Bowdoin streets in Boston. Officers were flagged down by a witness who claimed Lawn’s vehicle struck a parked car on Hancock Street — and then took off.

Lawn, who serves as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, has represented the 10th Middlesex District — which includes parts of Watertown, Newton, and Waltham — since 2011.

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When police stopped him, Lawn reportedly had glassy, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet. According to the report, he told officers, “I am a state rep,” and explained he was coming from an event at the State House.

The arresting officers weren’t impressed.

Lawn allegedly couldn’t complete field sobriety tests, refused to take a breathalyzer, and failed to provide a usable urine sample at the Nashua Street Jail. Asked to take a breath test, he allegedly replied:

"You know what I'd rather do, I want to take an Uber and go home."

Unfortunately for him, that option doesn't apply when you're under arrest.

Lawn now faces two misdemeanor charges: operating under the influence of liquor and leaving the scene of property damage.

In a statement sent to Mass Daily News, the Massachusetts Republican Party criticized Lawn and called for his resignation:

“Wednesday’s arrest is another example of Beacon Hill Democrats using their titles to try and avoid punishment. By declaring himself a lawmaker at the time of his arrest, it’s clear Rep. Lawn sought to escape the consequences of his actions. He should resign and offer the residents of Watertown the chance to elect a new representative who doesn’t ask officers to look the other way when he allegedly breaks the law,” said MassGOP spokesman Mark Steffen.

Since news of the arrest broke, Lawn has remained silent. His office has not released a statement, offered an explanation, or responded to repeated inquiries — leaving constituents with more questions than answers.

For a party that constantly preaches about public trust, accountability, and the rule of law, this episode adds to the growing perception that some Beacon Hill Democrats operate by a different set of rules — ones where consequences are optional and “I’m a state rep” is treated like a golden ticket.

But this time, the blue light special ended in handcuffs.

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Beacon Hill Democrat Busted for OUI, Allegedly Fled Crash Scene - Mass Daily News