Archive for December, 2009

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a major scourge on America’s streets. Too often, we see major accidents leading to fatalities resulting from drunk driving. The matter is even worse among the celebrity community who a constantly been looked up to maintain high standards and set examples for the rest of society to follow. As a result, when they run afoul of the law due to dumb offences such as drunk driving it creates intense outrage among the populous and even higher disappointment.

Popeye Jones Busted for DUI

Popeye Jones is yet another and joins the long list of prominent figures to be busted on charges of DUI. A mug shot of Popeye Jones was released on the internet showing him with a busted up face with signs of battering on his forehead, cheek and lips after he was forcibly taken into custody for resisting arrest.

It is alleged that Popeye Jones was pulled over on the suspicion of driving while intoxicated. This was after several motorists complained to the Richardson Police Department that there was someone driving a GMC Yukon in an unusually reckless manner. Upon the request of the investigating officer for a breathalyzer test, Popeye subsequently refused and a minor scuffle ensued between himself, a six foot-eight former ex-power forward and the arresting officer. As a result, Popeye Jones received various damages to his face while being brought down by the officer.

Conflicting stories on Popeye Jones DUI Arrest

There is no doubt about the events leading up to Popeye Jones being pulled over. Eyewitnesses alerted the police to the erratic style of his driving. Actually, they had no clue as who was behind the wheels of the GMC Yukon. Where it becomes cloudy, is in the sequence of events after he was pulled over. There were no witnesses present, so prosecutors have to go off the report submitted by the arresting officer. However, many commentators are asking if Popeye Jones case was a case of resisting arrest or one of excessive force being used because of his ethnicity. The truth will come out in when the evidence is revealed from the arresting officer’s in-car dashboard camera.

Reaction to Popeye Jones DUI Arrest

With his high status among the basketball community, there is bound to be some backlash to Popeye Jones dui arrest. We can already hear his critics saying that he should know better or that he should be given some form of punishment for putting a bad light on the sport. Many are waiting of comments from the owner of his Mavericks team Mark Cuban, who is yet to comment on the issue. Instead, he chose to hit out on those who alerted the police by asking why they care, because he is sure, they do not report every DWI case the see in Texas.

Stephanie Pratt Busted for DUI

Reports have surface on twitter, TMZ, National Ledger and other socialite networking and news sites that the Stephanie Pratt , sister of Spencer Pratt was busted in Hollywood after a night of hard partying.

After tweeting how much she was a “party pooper” and coupled with the fact she had just lost a friend to a car accident the same day she stresses how much it is important to drive safely.

According to a spokes person of the Los Angeles Police department office Kenneth Giles, Stephanie Pratt was arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and was booked into the Van Nuys Jail at 3:45 am. Her bail was set at $5000. He also said that the arresting officer Sgt. Sal Ogaz reported that it was just a typical Hollywood DUI arrest after she was spotted driving down the street and was pulled over. She was requested to perform a breathalyzer test that she subsequently failed. He further noted that she was corporative and there were no additional issues pertaining to her arrest. She was released at about 10:30 Sunday the 18th.

It is alleged that Pratt and several other co-stars of MTV reality TV show The Hill were at a party on the night of Saturday the 17. They were at the Hollywood nightspot Empire to celebrate Holly Montag’s 26th birthday.

Stephanie Pratt DUI Explanation

Star of the MTV reality series The Hill, Stephanie Pratt took the opportunity to explain her DUI arrest on Twitter. She said she was pulled over for tinted windows about three blocks from where she was sleeping. On the request of the officer, she blew a .08 surprisingly after only 2 drinks. She however noted that she made a wrong choice to drink and drive and takes full responsibility for her actions. In an additional statement, she said that she would never put the lives of other individuals at risk and wanted to make it clear that she was not pulled over for reckless driving. She closed with a warning to her fellow peer and fans that after two drinks, do not drive, call a taxi.

Readers Comments on Stephanie Pratt DUI on Social Media Sites

Tracking comments on several social networks have revealed both sympathy and outrage. Some commentators explained that, it is not the amount of alcohol you consume that determines your BAC level, but is based on your body’s metabolism. While others told her, she was drunk, they do not believe she was pulled over for tinted windows and she should get a real job. Drunk driving a major problem in Los Angeles especially among celebrities and as a result people are not very sympathetic to them when they get arrested. According to California drunk driving laws, drivers can be arrested for DUI if they return a blood alcohol content exceeding 0.08. Consequences include drunk driving fines, driving restrictions, suspension of drivers license and jail time.