Miss. police: 3 Doors Down bassist Harrell, facing case in Tenn., arrested on DUI charge

By The Associated Press

D’IBERVILLE, Miss. – Todd Harrell, a founding member and bassist for 3 Doors Down facing a vehicular homicide case in Tennessee, was arrested Tuesday night on a DUI charge in Mississippi, according to police.

Harrell was found “slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle” by officers responding to a citizen’s call about an impaired driver, D’Iberville police Chief Wayne Payne told The Associated Press.

“On arrival our officers made contact with the driver and there were signs of his being impaired,” Payne said.

Harrell was charged with a second-offence DUI involving a substance other than alcohol, Payne said, and police got a court order to take a blood sample from him.

“We don’t know what the substance is at the time. We sent the sample on to the crime lab for testing,” Payne said.

Payne said Harrell was released on a $1,789 cash bond set by Municipal Judge Albert Fountain. No date has been announced for Harrell’s next court appearance.

Police said Harrell was driving a family member’s SUV. It was unclear whether Harrell has an attorney in the latest case.

The DUI arrest is Harrell’s second in D’Iberville since July 2012, when his Cadillac rear-ended another vehicle. Harrell was later found to be driving under the influence of prescription drugs and was convicted. He lost his appeal in Harrison County Court on Jan. 8. In sentencing, the jail time was waived if Harrell could go six months without any further legal problems and enrolled in victim impact and substance abuse programs. It was unclear whether Harrell enrolled in the court-ordered programs.

Harrell also faced several charges in Nashville, Tenn. He’s accused of driving impaired in an accident resulting in another driver’s death in April 2013.

Harrell spent several days in jail and was freed on $100,000 bond. Then, that spring, Harrell checked himself into a drug treatment facility.

Harrell was accused of driving under the influence and causing the fatal April crash in a Nashville suburb. Police say Harrell admitted to drinking and taking prescription drugs before the wreck.

Police say Harrell was under the influence when he was speeding down the interstate and clipped the back of a pickup. The driver of the truck, 47-year-old Paul Shoulders Jr. was killed.

Harrell faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide by intoxication, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, violation of the implied consent law and possession of contraband.

Harrell’s arrest in Nashville caused him to bow out of the band’s world tour.

In 1999, Harrell was arrested in Pascagoula, Miss., on a charge of public intoxication, records show. Harrell, police said, was drunk and used profanity when talking to officers. It’s not clear whether he was convicted on that charge.

Harrell, former guitarist Matt Roberts and lead singer Brad Arnold formed the band in Escatawpa, Miss., in 1996. Roberts left the band in May 2012 with health problems. The band is known for songs such as “When I’m Gone” and “Kryptonite.”

Harrell lives outside Nashville.

The group is preparing for a six-city tour of Canada beginning June 3 at the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam, British Columbia. Additional markets with confirmed appearances include Prince George, Calgary, Bonnyville, Regina and Winnipeg.

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