Richland County jail records show that 39-year-old Rep. Ted Vick of Chesterfield was being held Thursday on charges of speeding, DUI and illegally carrying a pistol.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH, AP) -- A South Carolina state representative running for the state's newly created 7th Congressional District seat is facing weapons and drunken driving charges after a Columbia traffic stop.
A police report says Ted Vick, a Chesterfield Democrat, had a female USC student in his car, and a .380 semi-automatic pistol in his pocket, when he was arrested.
"I very much regret any embarrassment I've caused for my family, friends and supporters," said Vick in a statement released late Thursday night. "My family comes first to me and I'm going to spend time with them and consult with my pastor. Politics will have to wait."
According to the Columbia police report, an officer pulled Vick over for speeding on Devine Street just outside Five Points around 1 am Thursday. When the officer approached Vick's car the report says he smelled "a strong high odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the vehicle."
The report shows Vick told police he "had only a few drinks," and refused to take a field sobriety test after multiple requests, and also turned down a breathalyzer exam.
The incident report says Vick met the USC student at Delaney's Irish Pub. It goes on to say the pair continued to Jake's Bar in Five Points and Vick offered the girl a ride home when they were both leaving the bar.
Vick was taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center where jail officers say they found the gun on him. Police say he did not tell them he was carrying a weapon. According to the incident report, Vick's concealed weapons permit expired in 2007.
He was released from jail Thursday afternoon on a personal recognizance bond.
Vick is seeking a fifth term to his Chesterfield County South Carolina House seat. He also is one of five Democrats seeking the nomination in the new 7th Congressional District, which runs through the Pee Dee and along the Grand Strand.
His campaign website says "as a trained minister of the Gospel, Ted is a strong believer in traditional southern family values."
Vick lives in Chesterfield with his wife and twin daughters.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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