Boxer Mike Tyson arrested on DUI, drug possession

12/29/2006

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. Mike Tyson was arrested early today on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of cocaine after police stopped him shortly after he left a Scottsdale nightclub.

Sgt. Larry Hall said the boxer was stopped after his car almost struck a sheriff s vehicle while leaving the club at about 1:45 a.m.

He showed signs of impairment and voluntarily submitted to field sobriety tests, said Hall, a member of the Buckeye Police Department who was working in the area as part of a holiday DUI task force.

Hall said Tyson was placed under arrest after showing more signs of impairment during the field sobriety tests. Police then found cocaine on him and in his car, Hall said. The boxer was alone in the car.

Tyson was booked at a Maricopa County sheriff s jail and was expected to have an initial appearance before a judge later Friday to determine bail, Hall said.

Tyson, who shot to fame by knocking out Trevor Berbick in 1986 to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history at age 20, has had several run-ins with the law over the years, including serving prison time for rape. He most infamous incident was in the ring in 1997 when he bit Evander Holyfield s ear during a fight.

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