Assistant DA charged with DWI, enters rehab

LONGVIEW -Gregg County Assistant District Attorney Lance Larson is undergoing rehabilitation after being arrested last Saturday and charged with DWI and evading arrest.

Bill Jennings, Gregg County district attorney, said Larson is in an in-patient treatment facility, where he will remain until he successfully completes the program.

Larson, who has been with the Gregg County DA's office for nine years, was arrested Saturday night after Longview Police officers suspected Larson of driving while intoxicated. Officers attempted to stop Larson, who refused to pull over until he reached his driveway. He was arrested and charged with DWI and evading detention with a vehicle.

Larson was taken to Gregg County Jail where he posted bond for the two offenses: $7,500 for felony evading and $5,000 for felony DWI.

After posting bond Larson immediately checked himself into an in-patient facility for treatment, Jennings said.

A condition of Larson's bond is that he is required to have a breathalyzer-interlock installed on his vehicle. The device requires the driver to breathe into a tube which measures alcohol on the would-be driver's breath. If alcohol is present, the car won't start.

"I regret, and I am sure he (Larson) does, the events of Saturday

that led to his arrest," Jennings said. "My office stands firm on our commitment to prevent, enforce and prosecute that laws of this state and county."

Jennings said he supports the "officers' decisions in this matter and regret the fact that they were placed in this position."

Jennings said he will review the facts and issues of the incident and make further announcements in the near future.