David
02-25-2004, 08:20 PM
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/8029860.htm
'American Idol' contestant arrested on suspicion of drunken driving
By Kristi Belcamino
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
"American Idol" hopeful Donnie Williams was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Monday after he allegedly whizzed past a marked police car on Interstate 680 at 100 mph.
The 20-year-old Livermore resident told police he was returning from a party his friends threw him in Pittsburg on Sunday, celebrating that he made the latest cut on the popular television show.
A squad car stopped the Ford Taurus Williams was driving about 2:15 a.m. Monday after he zoomed by the officer on southbound I-680, Danville police said.
He was cooperative when he pulled over near the Bollinger Canyon Road exit, but after his arrest told officers, "You're ruining my life!" according to police.
Williams was not booked, but was cited and released.
Police would not release William's blood alcohol level, but said it was over the legal limit although not enough for him to be jailed. In Danville, drunken driving suspects are booked into jail when their blood alcohol content measures at least twice the legal limit of .08.
Williams was released into another person's care and his car was towed and stored. Officers usually don't release a DUI suspect's vehicle for between four and six hours to make sure the driver is sober.
Williams picked up the Ford Taurus, which belongs to a family member, about noon Monday.
Williams is one of 32 contestants remaining on "American Idol." His next appearance on the show is slated for next Tuesday. The number of contestants then will be narrowed to the final cut.
He told the Times on Friday that he's been singing since he was a child and that his elementary school teachers would ask for his autograph, telling him he was going to be a star.
Last year, "American Idol" contestant Frenchie Davis was booted off the show because she once posed for an adult Web site. Two other contestants, Corey Clark and Jaered Andrews also got their walking papers when producers learned they both had been arrested for assault.
Finalist Lashundra "Trenyce" Cobbins was allowed to stay on the show after she was upfront about a theft charge and completed a diversion program to expunge it from her record.
'American Idol' contestant arrested on suspicion of drunken driving
By Kristi Belcamino
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
"American Idol" hopeful Donnie Williams was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Monday after he allegedly whizzed past a marked police car on Interstate 680 at 100 mph.
The 20-year-old Livermore resident told police he was returning from a party his friends threw him in Pittsburg on Sunday, celebrating that he made the latest cut on the popular television show.
A squad car stopped the Ford Taurus Williams was driving about 2:15 a.m. Monday after he zoomed by the officer on southbound I-680, Danville police said.
He was cooperative when he pulled over near the Bollinger Canyon Road exit, but after his arrest told officers, "You're ruining my life!" according to police.
Williams was not booked, but was cited and released.
Police would not release William's blood alcohol level, but said it was over the legal limit although not enough for him to be jailed. In Danville, drunken driving suspects are booked into jail when their blood alcohol content measures at least twice the legal limit of .08.
Williams was released into another person's care and his car was towed and stored. Officers usually don't release a DUI suspect's vehicle for between four and six hours to make sure the driver is sober.
Williams picked up the Ford Taurus, which belongs to a family member, about noon Monday.
Williams is one of 32 contestants remaining on "American Idol." His next appearance on the show is slated for next Tuesday. The number of contestants then will be narrowed to the final cut.
He told the Times on Friday that he's been singing since he was a child and that his elementary school teachers would ask for his autograph, telling him he was going to be a star.
Last year, "American Idol" contestant Frenchie Davis was booted off the show because she once posed for an adult Web site. Two other contestants, Corey Clark and Jaered Andrews also got their walking papers when producers learned they both had been arrested for assault.
Finalist Lashundra "Trenyce" Cobbins was allowed to stay on the show after she was upfront about a theft charge and completed a diversion program to expunge it from her record.