Sam Shepard Arrested for Drunken Driving

The Pulitzer Prize winning writer was arrested after a hotel employee informed police about an intoxicated driver

Actor, director and playwright Sam Shepard had been arrested for driving under the influence on Monday in Sante Fe, New Mexico, according to Reuters.

The Oscar-nominated actor and Pulitzer Prize winner writer Sam Shepard was taken into custody after the employee of a restaurant called the police and reported that a possibly intoxicated person is trying to drive a pickup truck without pulling the emergency brakes.

When police arrived and questioned the 71-year old actor, he admitted of consuming two tequila drinks. He refused for the breath test but agreed to perform field sobriety test in which he failed. He was taken to jail by the Santa Fe police afterwards. 

The police spokeswoman Andrea Dobyns reported. “The officers said he was complaint, but had bloodshot watery eyes and the officers were able to smell the alcohol.” 

Online records of Santa Fe jail suggest that Shepard was charged with aggravated driving and remained in the custody through the night. Records further indicate that Shepard was not released until Tuesday afternoon.

It appears to be the second time when Shepard was arrested and charged with drunken driving. In February 2009, he was found guilty of both speeding and DUI in the location of Bloomington, Illinois and was sentenced to 24 month probation and 100 hours of community service. He was also ordered to attend alcohol education classes.

Sam Shepard won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979 for his play “Buried Child.” He was also nominated for the Oscars for Best Supporting Actor in the 1983 film “The Right Stuff” in which he portrayed the character of brigadier general Chuck Yeager. His other notable work includes Baby Boom, Steel Magnolias, Thunderheart, Stealth, Blackthorn and Black Hawk Down. He was also the writer of many films including Fool for Love, Far North and Simpatico.