The Santa Barbara CHP office announced today that actress Heather Locklear (Dynasty, Melrose Place) was arrested for driving while under the influence of a controlled substance on Saturday, September 27.
According to a report of the incident submitted to area media by CHP, Locklear was spotted driving forward and backward over a pair of sunglasses in a Montecito parking lot around 5 p.m. A “concerned citizen” saw Locklear do this and then watched her drive away. Shortly thereafter, the same person saw Locklear’s vehicle stopped on East Valley Road and then allegedly saw her stumble out of her car and into the traffic lane. The citizen then called 911.
Santa Barbara CHP officers arrived and began investigating the matter as a possible DUI. According to a report from the responding officer, Locklear, who at this point had returned to her driver’s seat, appeared disoriented. The officers, however, ruled out alcohol as the intoxicating agent. Locklear was then arrested and transported to the Santa Barbara CHP office, where a drug recognition expert concluded that the woman was under the influence of a controlled substance. A chemical test was obtained, the report read, and Locklear was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and being under the influence of a controlled substance.
According to celebrity gossip sites, Locklear was released Sunday morning on her own recognizance, without having to post bail. Locklear’s representatives have yet to issue a statement. CHP spokesperson Officer Alex Tipolt said he would respond to media inquiries beginning tomorrow morning.