Former Hollywood Idol David Cassidy Charged With DUI

 Posted on November 11, 2010 in DUI

Former teen heartthrob David Cassidy, best known for his role on "The Partridge Family" was arrested on suspicion of DUI last week. A Florida Highway Patrol officer claims he saw a white 2008 Mercedes weaving on the turnpike. The Mercedes allegedly cut off another vehicle on the turnpike. The actor was charged with DUI after the police investigation.

During the traffic stop the singer-actor allegedly admitted having a glass of wine with lunch earlier in the day. Cassidy reportedly also admitted to taking hydrocodone for pain around 3:30 in the afternoon. The officer stopped Cassidy at roughly 6:20 p.m.

The trooper claims a half-empty bottle of bourbon was under the seat of the Cassidy's Mercedes at the time of the stop. The actor reportedly was "swaying while standing" after stepping out of the vehicle. Cassidy reportedly failed field sobriety tests.

Cassidy submitted to a breath alcohol test. His blood alcohol content allegedly registered .139 and .141. The actor reportedly adamantly denies Cassidy being drunk at the time of arrest. He intends to challenge the DUI charges. He says the breathalyzer tests were flawed and did not provide a true measurement of his blood alcohol content.

Jo-Ann Geffen, Cassidy's spokesperson, says the pain pill was to alleviate back pain. Cassidy attended a funeral earlier on the day of his arrest. Geffen says Cassidy may have been sleep-deprived when he was pulled over. His spokesperson says the actor would not "jeopardize anyone on the road." The only reason he was driving reportedly was to attend the funeral earlier in the day.

The actor-singer was released from custody after posting $350 bond early the morning after his traffic stop.

Source: New York Daily News, "David Cassidy arrested for DUI: Former 'Partridge Family' star plans to fight charges," Cristina Everett, 4 Nov 2010