Reese Witherspoon, Husband Arrested During Traffic Stop in Atlanta - East Idaho News
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Reese Witherspoon, Husband Arrested During Traffic Stop in Atlanta

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LAURA%20JEANNE%20WITHERSPOON%202?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1366622832288Atlanta Department of Corrections(ATLANTA) — Reese Witherspoon’s reputation as America’s sweetheart took a hit early Friday, when she was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge in Atlanta.

Georgia police say the Oscar winner was disruptive during a traffic stop involving her husband, agent Jim Toth.  According to a police report, an officer observed Toth failing to stay in his proper lane while driving after midnight Friday.

Witherspoon exited the car before and during a sobriety test administered to her husband, according to the report.

The officer writes, “I had to tell Mrs. Witherspoon several times to get back into the vehicle before she did so.  I told Mrs. Witherspoon that I would arrest her the next time she got out of the vehicle.”

As Toth was being arrested on suspicion of DUI, Witherspoon again stepped out of the vehicle, according to the report.  When the officer told her to get back inside the car, she reportedly stated “that she was a ‘U.S. Citizen’ and that she was allowed to ‘stand on American ground.'”

The report also notes, “Mrs. Witherspoon asked, ‘Do you know my name?’  I answered, ‘No, I don’t need to know your name.’  I then added, ‘right now.’  Mrs. Witherspoon stated, ‘You’re about to find out who I am.'”

The 37-year-old Legally Blonde star later warned the officer that he would be on “national news,” according to the report.

The couple was released on bond later that morning.

Witherspoon is working on a movie, The Good Lie, in Atlanta.  She was in New York Sunday night for the premiere of her new film Mud, but did not speak with reporters.

However, Witherspoon has released the following statement: “Out of respect for the ongoing legal situation, I cannot comment on everything that is being reported right now.  But I do want to say, I clearly had one drink too many and I am deeply embarrassed about the things I said.  It was definitely a scary situation and I was frightened for my husband, but that is no excuse.  I was disrespectful to the officer who was just doing his job.  I have nothing but respect for the police and I’m very sorry for my behavior.”

Witherspoon married Toth in March of 2011.  They welcomed a son, Tennessee James, last September.

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