Posted on 08/22/2007 2:25:18 PM PDT by rocksblues
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) - Bill Murray could face a drunken driving charge after cruising through downtown Stockholm in a golf cart and refusing to take a breath test, citing U.S. law.
Police officers spotted the "Caddyshack" star early Monday in the slow-moving vehicle and noticed he smelled of alcohol when they pulled him over, said Detective-Inspector Christer Holmlund of the Stockholm police.
"He refused to blow in the (breath test) instrument, citing American legislation," Holmlund told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "So we applied the old method - a blood test. It will take 14 days before the results are in."
Murray, who had been at a golf tournament in Sweden, signed a document admitting that he was driving under the influence, and agreed to let a police officer plead guilty for him if the case goes to court, Holmlund said.
"Then he was let go. My guess is he went back to America," Holmlund said.
He said the 56-year-old actor-comedian would only be charged if tests show his blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit, which is quite low in Sweden.
A very high alcohol level could lead to a prison sentence, but Holmlund said fines were more likely.
"There were no obvious signs, like when someone is really tipsy," he said.
An e-mail to Murrays lawyer, David Nochimson, seeking comment wasnt immediately returned.
The golf cart had been on display for a week outside the downtown hotel where Murray and other VIPs attending the Scandinavian Masters golf tournament, were staying, tournament head Fredrik Nilsmark said.
Murray apparently drove the golf cart to the trendy Cafe Opera nightclub, less than a mile away, and was pulled over on his way back to the hotel.
Nilsmark said the vehicle wasn't intended for guests but added: "I don't hold any grudge against Bill Murray for borrowing our cart for a while."
Cafe Opera manager Daniel Bodahl confirmed that Murray had visited the nightclub late Sunday and said "he was a very good guest."
It isn't illegal to drive a golf cart in city traffic in Sweden, but Holmlund said it is very unusual.
"I have done this since '68 and I've never experienced anything like this," he said.
Murray was among the early cast members on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." He was nominated for an Oscar for 2003's "Lost in Translation." His screen credits also include "Groundhog Day" and "Rushmore."
Another Ugly American episode, not Bush!
He shoulda let the groundhog drive.
Isn’t Sweden one of those countries where they base auto fines on your income? I seem to remember one rich guy paying hundreds of thousands for a speeding ticket.
PS, Murray is a big lib, he shouldn’t have any problem with “progressive” fines.
What complete BS! If you are in another country, figure out what their laws are and freakin' follow them. What a complete ass. This must be what is meant by the "ugly American".
That is why I highlighted his statement crying I am an American.
Publicity for a flagging career.
Tears in his eyes, I guess.
Best. Movie. Ever.
Senator Spector ... calling Senator Specter ... clean-up in the Swedish aisle ..... Senator Specter ... calling Senator Specter ..........................
Is that a golf crying towel?
I can’t imagine refusing a breathalyzer but allowing the cops to take a blood sample.
Bottom line: never, ever blow if you’ve had ANY alcohol.
I like the citation of American law in another country though. Nice touch.
Okay, I'm going to need some proof on that one. Wazzup?
Oh please. BM could give a rat's ass about drumming up publicity. He isn't your typical hollywooder.
Lost in Transportation.
I’ve asked him how he feels about getting drunk drivers off, but you know how lawyers are.
Who pissed in your Wheaties? He "smelled of alcohol" and has been convicted of nothing. Oh yeah, he should have checked local laws to see if driving a golf cart after having a beer is against the law. Right. By that definition you'd have to arrest 2 million golfers in this country every Saturday.
But you go ahead with your Kangaroo court if you like.
He isn't? Let's see: he get's drunk, "liberates" a golf cart that wasn't for guest use, and then when stopped protests that he's an American who isn't bound by the laws of the country he is in.
Sounds like pretty typical behavior to me, except they don't think they need to follow our laws either.
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