‘Just take me to jail’: Patriots Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler charged with DUI in RI, police say
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By Timothy Nazzaro
NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Former New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler, the hero of Super Bowl 49, was arrested for allegedly driving drunk in North Providence on March 16.
As first reported by WPRI, Butler was charged with driving under the influence of liquor, refusing a chemical test, and stopping at a prohibited intersection.
According to a North Providence police report, Butler’s white Mercedes Benz E300 was parked in the westbound lane of Mineral Spring Avenue, blocking traffic just before 3:30 a.m.
Malcolm Butler DUI arrest (North Providence Police Department)
Officers conducted a traffic stop where Butler allegedly informed them he was coming from a studio in Providence where he was making music. Police say there was a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, his speech was very slurred, and his eyes were severely bloodshot.
When asked if he had had any alcoholic beverages before the stop, Butler told the responding officer, “Just take me to jail,” according to the police report.
Authorities say they then asked Butler to submit to a series of field sobriety tests, which he refused.
He was booked at police headquarters without incident and was summonsed to appear in court on Thursday.
Butler, who played 9 years in the NFL, is best known for intercepting Russel Wilson at the goal line in Super Bowl 49, securing the New England Patriots’ fourth title. He announced his retirement earlier this month.
Malcolm Butler, Ricardo Lockette FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2015, file photo, New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette (83) during the second half of NFL football's Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Ariz. New England won 28-24. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 01: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball against Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) defends an incomplete pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) during the second half of NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass in front of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette (83) during the second half of NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette during the second half of NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette during the second half of NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
WESTWOOD, CA - JULY 16: Football player Malcolm Butler attends the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards 2015 at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion on July 16, 2015 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21), strong safety Patrick Chung (23), and cornerback Eric Rowe (25) wait for their team photo to be made in U.S. Bank Stadium Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Patriots are scheduled to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Blake Bortles #5 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws as he is defended by Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots in the second half during the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Marqise Lee #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is defended by Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots after a catch in the first quarter during the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.