Helton Wearing Camo When Arrested For DUI, Seemed 'Out Of It'
THORNTON, Colo. (CBS4)- Police in Thornton said that Todd Helton was wearing camouflage when he was arrested for possible DUI early Wednesday morning.
According to the incident report, officers were dispatched to the Conoco gas station at 128th and Colorado Blvd. just after 2 a.m. Wednesday on reports that a black Ford F-150 had struck a median and was parked at the gas station.
When officers arrived they found the pickup parked in front of the gas station with the motor running and the driver's side door open. No one was inside or near the pickup.
Officers said moments later a man dressed in camouflage walked out of the gas station and told officers he was the owner of the truck. That man was later identified as Todd Helton, first baseman for the Colorado Rockies.
Officers said they smelled a strong odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage coming from Helton, that he was unsteady on his feet and his eyes were bloodshot.
Helton told officers he was getting his truck washed but officers said he was hard to understand and his speech was slurred. Officers said he also had his wallet, chewing tobacco and lottery tickets in his hand.
RELATED STORY: Rockies' Helton Apologizes For Poor Judgment
When officers asked for his driver's license, Helton searched inside the pickup on both the driver's side and passenger side before officers asked if his ID was in the wallet on the driver's side seat.
He eventually handed officers his ID which confirmed he was Helton.
Officers explained to Helton that someone had been following him and that person called police with concerns over a possible DUI after Helton allegedly striked a median on Colorado Blvd.
Helton denied striking the curb. He also agreed to perform voluntary roadside maneuvers.
During the booking process police said Helton made spontaneous statements about drinking two Igloo cups of red wine at 8 p.m. the night before.
At 3:42 a.m the Intoxilyzer returned a reading of .102 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
After that Helton was issued a summons for DUI, and careless driving before he was released to a sober party.
Police also interviewed the woman working the cash register at the Conoco gas station when Helton went inside. She told police that Helton couldn't count out his money correctly and he seemed "out of it."
Helton is scheduled for a court appearance on May 20 in Adams County.
