COPS: NFL version Episode 1,245

Vikings' Whitaker arrested

Vikings cornerback Ronyell Whitaker was arrested in downtown Minneapolis early this morning on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for drunk driving and careless driving.

According to Minneapolis police spokeswoman Lt. Amelia Huffman, Minneapolis police observed Whitaker's vehicle parked illegally at 2:40 this morning at 400 3rd Ave. North. When the police ran Whitaker's license through the system the warrant for his arrest came up. Whitaker was released from police custody at 5:28 a.m. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 2.

It is unclear when or where Whitaker was cited for drunk driving and careless driving, according to Hennepin County officials.

Whitaker is the second Vikings defensive back to be arrested in the past five days. Cornerback Cedric Griffin was arrested early Sunday morning after an altercation at the Spin nightclub in downtown Minneapolis. Griffin was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after fighting with staff members from the Spin, located at 10 S. 5th St. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 20.

JUDD ZULGAD

 

He needs to be purified in the waters of Lake Minnetonka.

 

A pro athlete getting in trouble with the law. I'm shocked!

 

I've never heard of this guy.

 

Ooops..


Vikings: Whitaker's arrest a mistake
BY DON SEEHOLZER
Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated: 04/19/2007 06:50:28 PM CDT


The attorney for Vikings cornerback Ronyell Whitaker said the arrest of his client Thursday morning on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant was a mistake and has been rectified.

Attorney Joseph Tamburino said Whitaker was pulled over on suspicion of DWI and careless driving last September and issued a citation for the latter offense.

Tamburino said he appeared in court on Whitaker's behalf and paid the $1,000 fine, but it apparently never was recorded in court computers.

As a result, when Minneapolis police officers ran Whitaker's driver's license after observing his vehicle illegally parked downtown early Thursday morning, the arrest warrant was still open.

Whitaker was released from Hennepin County Jail at 5:28 a.m. and Tamburino said his office contacted the Ridgedale courthouse within a matter of hours.

"It was cleared up by 8:30 or 9," he said. "They said yep, it's a mistake. We're sorry. The case is closed."

Tamburino said he still has the receipt for the paid fine and that Whitaker wasn't upset by the mix-up.

"He knew it was a mistake," Tamburino said. "And he's getting his $50 bail returned,"

Don Seeholzer can be reached at dseeholzer@pioneerpress.com.