Erin Brockovich, best known as the environmental activist portrayed by Julia Roberts in the 2000 movie about her experiences fighting a utility company over pollution in a California town, has been arrested on suspicion of boating while intoxicated at Lake Mead, near Las Vegas, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Brockovich, 52, was arrested late Friday after a breathalyzer showed her blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit, according to Edwin Lyngar, the spokesman for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, who spoke to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Authorities approached her boat after a game warden noticed that she was struggling and needed assistance to maneuver her boat at the Las Vegas Boat Harbor. Brockovich had been on the boat with a male companion, but was alone when she attempted to dock it.
"She was not sure how to maneuver the boat into the dock," Lyngar told the Associated Press. "It's a simple thing if you can think clearly, but if you add alcohol and unfamiliarity of the area, it can all cause serious problems."
Brockovich was released from the Clark County Detention Center after posting $1,000 bail. She hasn't yet responded to any requests for comments. Under Nevada law, a first-time offense of boating while intoxicated is a misdemeanor that can result in a fine from $1,000 to $2,000 but no jail time. Authorities were uncertain if it was Brockovich's first offense.
The case focuses attention of an often-overlooked problem. Almost half of all fatal boat accidents are alcohol-related.
"Too many people think drinking and boating go together," Lyngar said. "We don't have a problem if people drink.
"Just have a designated operator," Lyngar continued.
Brockovich was instrumental in the efforts to sue utility company Pacific Gas & Electric for polluting the water supply, a story that was adapted into a film in 2000.
Most recently, Brockovich was in "Last Call at the Oasis," a film that explored challenges related to earth's dwindling resources and polluted water supply.
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