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."
As someone who has met and spent time with the man, your gossip, in my experience, is 100% incorrect. Bill Murray is humble, kind, and generous.
Completely accurate.
I like him and don’t give a d@mn what his politics are.
I believe in the philosophical basis for not self-incriminating with a breath test.
Guess that makes me a libertarian.
Oh ya, I also like Lost in Translation.
you wouldn’t believe it if i told you.
Looks like it was “Suntory Time” for Bill in Sweden.
“Is that a golf crying towel?”
There’s no crying in golf!
Best golf movie definitely.
I’d have to slot it behind Animal House and perhaps Dumb & Dumber for sheer comedy value but if you play a lot of golf like I do then Caddyshack is unavoidable.
Er, you do realize that’s a Par Aide ball washer and not a beer keg?
How many people drive golf carts sober????
More standing up for the drunk drivers.
Of course people with even an ounce of decency don’t drive when you drink. Only pieces of crap do.
What kind of murder is your favorite since you think killing while driving drunk is okay?
What is it like to be friends with someone who would beat a child for money and is responsible for deaths for money?
“Driving a golf cart while mildly intoxicated isnt the same as driving a sports car while drunk. Standard golf carts have a top speed of 15 mph.”
Doesn’t matter. If your driving it on the roads you’re operating a motor vehicle, and if you’re over the limit you’re over it. That may not make a whole lot of sense, but why would you expect Swedish drunk driving laws to be any more reasonable than those in the US or Canada? Blow .10 or .30, the law doesn’t care - it’s all the same to them. Bicyle or 18-wheeler - again the law doesn’t see any difference. These are just a couple of the reasons that I find our DUI laws to be ridiculous, but like I say, why would expect Swedish laws to be any more sensible?
People killed by golf carts are probably only in the way since they were already blinded by paper airplanes and/or snow balls.
I met Bill Murray many times at Cubs and Bears games. He is very nice, signs autographs, buys food and beverages (both pepsi and beer) and has a grand old time.
He has it in every contract of anything set to shoot in October a week off if the Cubs are in the world series. Of course it’s something the other people think they won’t have to grant.
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