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BALTIMORE, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Olympic swimming phenom Michael Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence in Baltimore City early Tuesday morning. The Towson native was pulled over and arrested around 1:40 a.m. by Maryland Transit Authority Police on I-95, the MDTA confirmed in a statement.
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A source told TMZ Phelps failed his field sobriety test, blowing a blood alcohol level of twice the legal limit.
Phelps was charged with DUI, excessive speed and crossing double lane lines within the Fort McHenry Tunnel and released.
The DUI is Phelps' second: in 2004, the swimmer was arrested after he was pulled over for running a stop sign. He was charged with DUI, DWI, violation of a license restriction and failure to obey a stop sign, and stuck a deal for 18 months probation in exchange for pleading guilty to drunken driving.
An MDTA statement described Tuesday's arrest:
"A Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police Officer was operating stationary radar on southbound I-395 leaving Baltimore City when a White 2014 Land Rover entered the radar's area of influence at excessive speed (84 mph in a 45 mph zone). The officer followed the vehicle onto northbound I-95, through the tunnel and initiated an enforcement stop just beyond the tunnel's toll plaza. Mr. Phelps was identified as the driver by his driver's license and appeared to be under the influence. He was unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests. Mr. Phelps was cooperative throughout the process."
Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, with 22 medals, and the most golds, with 18. After a successful 2012 Olympics, he said he would retire from competition, but in April, he came out of retirement and began competing again.
[Update: 3 p.m. ET]
Phelps apologized for his actions Tuesday afternoon, taking "full responsibility" and apologizing to "everyone I have let down."
(1/3) Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) September 30, 2014(2/3) I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) September 30, 2014(3/3) I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down.
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) September 30, 2014
