A California lawmaker who was found drunk by police officers while attending a conference has claimed she was the victim of an unknown crime.
Alameda City Councilwoman Trish Herrera Spencer required medical attention after she was found in the early hours of last Friday.
Spencer had attended a League of California Cities conference in Long Beach before authorities found her at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Broadway.
First responders took her to a nearby hospital where she received medical treatment. Long Beach police have classified the case as a medical emergency.
While officers said there was no foul play, Spencer made a statement saying she had suffered “serious injuries” and was the victim of a crime.
Alameda City Councilwoman Trish Herrera Spencer required medical attention after being found in the early hours last Friday
Spencer had attended 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 suffered a concussion that left her with “little memory” of the incident.
She also claims she lost valuable personal belongings and made no mention of alcohol consumption.
She said:I have few memories of the event. I believe I have been the victim of a crime. I am still suffering from my injuries, including a concussion.
“Before I sustained my injuries, I was leaving a conference-related meeting around 11 p.m. I was not arrested or charged by the police.
“I was treated for medical attention by paramedics and emergency room personnel in Long Beach. Despite 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 in the emergency department of a local hospital documented a concussion, abrasions and bruises on the top and side of my head, as well as bruising on the inside and outside of my arms.
“My medical provider explained that she was legally required to file a suspicious injury report, which is required if there is reasonable suspicion that my injuries resulted from a third person assault or abuse against me, etc.
“Some of my valuable personal belongings, including jewelry, are missing. It has been an honor to serve you and volunteer alongside you for the past 25 years.”
In a statement, Spencer said she suffered a concussion that left her with “little memory” of the incident.
Spencer was previously elected mayor of Alameda, serving from 2014 to 2018
Her statement ended with: “Thank you to all of you who have supported and continue to support me in my recovery from this horrific event.”
According to The Mercury Newsthe incident involving Spencer is not the first she has dealt with involving alcohol.
Her husband Joel filed a claim against Alameda and its police department after he was arrested for driving under the influence on St. Patrick’s Day in 2016.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and subsequently sought damages for character defamation, personal injury and the costs of the proceedings.
The conference is described as an event for local authorities who want to ‘take their organization to the next level’.
Spencer was previously elected mayor of Alameda, serving from 2014 to 2018.