Bruce Smith charged with DUI

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - NFL Hall of Famer and Norfolk native Bruce Smith has been charged with Driving Under the Influence. Virginia Beach Police say they arrested Smith early Friday morning on Interstate 264 near Independence Boulevard. Smith was booked into the Virginia Beach Jail around 1:30 a.m.. Police told WAVY.com he bonded out a couple hours later.

"The officer conducted a traffic stop for speeding and while in his traffic stop the driver seemed under the influence of alcohol," said Virginia Beach Police Officer Adam Bernstein.

Police say Smith was then put through a series of field sobriety tests

"According to the officer Mr. Smith was polite through the entire encounter, but he did refuse to give a breath analysis," added Bernstein.

This is the third time Smith has been arrested for DUI. In 1997, Police say Smith was found asleep in his car at a Virginia Beach intersection. The charge was dismissed in court. His attorney argued Smith suffered from a sleep disorder.

Smith was back in court after an April 2003 DUI arrest. Virginia Beach Police arrested Smith for speeding and drunk driving. The DUI charge was once again dismissed in court. Smith was found guilty of speeding.

"Bruce has got a great reputation in the community and the whole country," said Smith's Attorney, Larry Cardon. "It means so much to him no matter what the outcome it hurts that reputation."

"He's upset by it," added Cardon. "This should be the best time of his life coming up and he's very sad by it."

Smith is an 11 time NFL Pro-Bowler. In his 19 year career he played for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins. He is the NFL's all time sacks leader.

Smith graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. He now lives in Virginia Beach and works as a large-scale hotel designer.

Bruce Smith's Attorney Larry Cardon forwarded WAVY.com the following statement from Smith:

"I regret the events that took place on May 14. I apologize to my family, friends and fans. I acknowledge my responsibility as a role model, and drinking and driving under any circumstance is wrong. I plan on taking steps to ensure this never happens again."

Stay with WAVY.com and WAVY News 10 for the latest.