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."
“More standing up for the drunk drivers.
Of course people with even an ounce of decency dont 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?”
at first I couldn’t understand why such an over-the-top post found its way on this thread ...
then I noticed your screen name
The knee-jerks on here make the whole forum look like nanny-state, whiner, children imo.
Actually I think the whole episode is pretty funny. I can just imagine Murray deadpanning that he was looking for the 19th green or something.
“First of all, chicks dig me, because I rarely wear underwear, and when I do it’s usually something exotic...”
I like Bill Murray too. And he’s never hidden his political allegiances - why should he? The point I was making is, he’s likely to get a hefty fine. And lately, I’ve been noticing the Democrats, in order to make more money, have been fining people rather heavily as a “hidden tax”.
Just ask Virginians what’s happened to their fines lately. And the Republicans are involved in that mess also - shame on them. http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/18/1818.asp
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines/101500-02.htm
The Swedes have a low BAC limit for driving a golf cart?
Busted for driving a golf cart drunk. You could not make this up. I bet he pays a thousand-dollar fine, and then sells the story for a million, under the title “Lost in Translation II: Lost at Ikea.”
They do make a mean meatball, though.
Someonne please stop me before I mock the Swedes any more. I don’t know how much longer I can hold out before i type “BORK BORK BORK!”
Darnit.
When cornered by authorities, Murray reportedly said, “I’m all right, no, nobody worry about me. Why do you have to give me a fight? Why can’t you just let me be?”
He also made some comments about “varmint poontang,” but the Swedish officers were unable to interpret them.
More on this story as it develops.
varmint poontang,
lol
I don’t think I’ve ever received a more asinine and ludicrous reply than yours.
Congratulations.
You weren't fooled. He's utterly charming as well. LOL.
She’s a real piece of work, ain’t she.
HOLMLUND [with a sigh]: Please blow in the tube, Mr. Murray.
MURRAY [Spackler voice]: I'll blow your tube, you fuzzy little foreigner.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.