Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was once again arrested over the weekend on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Sugar Land, Texas.
According to police reports, Peterson was taken into custody early Sunday morning by the Sugar Land Police Department after being found asleep at the wheel while parked at a gas station with his truck’s engine still running. Pictures from TMZ show Peterson slumped over the wheel just minutes before police arrived on the scene, and police confirmed that’s how Peterson appeared when they first made contact. Police say that Peterson displayed signs of intoxication while talking with police and later failed a series of field sobriety tests.
After he was placed under arrest, police searched the vehicle and found a firearm inside, which led to additional charges. He was officially charged with driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon, according to police. He remained in jail on Monday, and no attorney is currently listed as his representation.
Pattern Of Poor Choices
This is the second time that Peterson has been arrested on suspicion of DWI charges this year alone. Back in April, we covered the story of his DWI arrest following his attendance at a Minnesota Vikings Draft Party. He’s also no stranger to run-ins with police while driving, as we previously detailed that he was stopped twice for excessive speeding in Minnesota back in 2009 and 2010, and he earned a seat belt violation in 2011 during Minnesota’s Click It Or Ticket campaign.
These charges will likely be the most severe for Peterson if he is indeed found guilty. First offense penalties for DWI in Texas can carry jail time, and since he already has another pending case on his record (since it’s not yet official, this offense will likely still be considered a “first offense” in Texas), it’s unlikely that a judge will go easy on him. Barring a very lenient plea deal, it seems likely that Peterson will spend some time in jail for this incident, and there will also be additional penalties for the weapons violation. This too could lead to jail time, major fines or the loss of his right to carry a firearm.
Peterson doesn’t yet have an attorney listed, but he’ll want to get one real soon. He’s in a pretty messy situation, and he’s going to need an expert in his corner to help him navigate the fallout. We hope that he gets the professional and personal help he needs to get his life back on track.
Similarly, if you or someone you know needs help following a DWI or similar criminal charge, reach out to Avery and the tram at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
