A Cincinnati-area lawmaker announced his resignation on Sunday, less than three weeks after news broke that he was arrested in Indiana for drunken driving in April.

Ohio Rep. Robert Mecklenborg, a Republican, apologized in a written statement for the pain and embarrassment he caused his family, constituents and colleagues. His resignation will be effective Aug. 2.

An Indiana state trooper pulled over Mecklenborg, 59, for a burned-out headlight on April 23 in Dearborn County. The officer, smelling alcohol, suspected Mecklenborg was intoxicated.

Mecklenborg failed three sobriety tests and refused a breath test, according to court records.

He was charged with drunken driving after a blood test showed his blood-alcohol content was 0.097 percent. He also tested positive for Viagra, the records show.

A 26-year-old woman, who is neither his wife nor one of his children, was in the car with Mecklenborg, a married father of three.

Mecklenborg said it is in the best interests of his family and constituents to resign "during this difficult time."

"As a member of the House of Representatives, I believe that I have served well and faithfully my constituents of the 30th House District by focusing on the issues that matter a great deal to all Ohioans, including election reform, pro-life legislation and a host of other priorities," Mecklenborg said in his statement. "However, my recent actions have become a distraction to the additional important work that lies ahead for the members of the 129th General Assembly."

House Speaker William G. Batchelder, a Republican from Medina, thanked Mecklenborg for his service and said resigning is the appropriate decision. Late last month, Batchelder said he was shocked and disappointed to learn of Mecklenborg's situation.

Mecklenborg has pleaded not guilty to drunken driving and has a pretrial hearing scheduled on Aug. 22.