Michael Phelps arrested for DUI occurred early on Tuesday morning, said authorities. The US Olympic swimmer had been arrested after being stopped for speeding just outside the Fort McHenry Tunnel, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority police.
Police in Baltimore, Maryland said that Michael Phelps was arrested while he had been driving a 2014 4x4 white Land Rover.
The most decorated Olympian in history with 22 gold medals, he was going southbound on Interstate 395 at about 1:40 am local time (05:40 GMT) when an officer clocked him driving at 84mph (135 km/h) in a 45mph (72 km/h) zone, reports the Baltimore Sun.
Police had Michael Phelps arrested through the Fort McHenry tunnel after he was pulled over just beyond the toll plaza, according to People.
The police said in a statement that before they had Michael Phelps arrested, he was co-operative throughout the process. However, he failed a series of standard field sobriety tests.
"Mr Phelps ... was unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests," said police.
According to TMZ, which first reported the news, law enforcement sources told them that as Michael Phelps was arrested, police found his blood alcohol content nearly twice the legal limit.
The site also reported that the gold medallist had been taken to a local police station and booked for DUI before he was released.
Police said he was "arrested and charged with DUI [driving under the influence], excessive speed and crossing double lines", reports the BBC.
After police had Michael Phelps arrested, the 28-year-old apologised on Twitter saying, "Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines."
"I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility. I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down," wrote Phelps.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, this incident of Michael Phelps arrested is his second DUI-related seize. In 2004, he was stopped during traffic in Wicomico County. 19 years old at the time, Phelps pleaded guilty to driving while impaired and received 18-month probation.
"I made a mistake," the athlete said shortly after the 2004 incident. "Getting in a car with anything to drink is wrong, dangerous and unacceptable. I'm 19 but was taught no matter how old you are, you should always take responsibility for your actions, which I will do," he added.
"I recognise the seriousness of this mistake," he told the judge. "It's wrong to drink when you're underage. It's wrong to get behind a wheel no matter how old you are."
Phelps spoke to students at Wicomico County schools and became a featured speaker at a fitness and health rally at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury as part of his probation.
However, in 2009, tabloids released a photo of him smoking from a marijuana pipe while at a party at the University of South Carolina.
Phelps also apologized for his actions then and said he "engaged in behaviour which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment."
He said at the time that he promises his "fans and the public it will not happen again."
It is a hope that the latest Michael Phelps arrested incident is his last. Coming from Baltimore County, Phelps retired after he won his 22nd Olympic medal at the London Games in 2012. However, he came out of retirement earlier this year.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
