Phelps arrested for driving under influence
Olympic swimmer reportedly ran through stop sign in Salisbury last week
By Ben Pillow
Baltimoresun.com Staff
Originally published November 8, 2004, 4:46 PM EST
Local swimmer and eight-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps was charged with driving under the influence after he was stopped last week by a Maryland State Police trooper in Salisbury, authorities said today.
Phelps, 19, of Rodgers Forge was pulled over about 11:30 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of Route 13 and Bateman Street after a trooper saw Phelps' 2005 Land Rover run through a stop sign at the intersection, police said.
According to a press release, the trooper, who police did not identify, observed signs indicating that Phelps may have been driving under the influence and began an investigation.
Based on that investigation, Phelps was arrested and taken to the state police Salisbury barracks, where he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, violation of a license restriction and failure to obey a traffic-control device, according to authorities.
Phelps signed the traffic citations and was released just after 1 a.m. Friday. Police said he was cooperative throughout the incident.
Two of Phelps' friends were also inside the vehicle during the traffic stop. Phelps' vehicle was released to a friend who had not been drinking, police said.
State police would not immediately release any other information on the incident.
Phelps won six gold medals at the Athens Olympics this past summer. He attended Sunday night's Ravens game against the Cleveland Browns was introduced to the crowd before the contest.
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