14 DAY TRIAL // Yesterday, we reported that 8-time gold medalist at the 2008 Olympics Michael Phelps had been involved in a 3-car accident in his hometown, Baltimore. That alcohol had not been a factor was known as early as the moment police arrived on the scene, but it has now been established that Phelps wasn’t in any way responsible for the damage done either, as TMZ informs.
Initially, reports said that, while police could easily determine that Michael Phelps had not been drinking or abusing substances, the chance that he might have been responsible for the crash by running a red light still existed. If so, then the 3-car pile-up would have been his fault, as he smashed into a Honda Accord and then both hit another vehicle that was not moving at the time of the impact. Phelps’ own black Cadillac Escalade was almost completely ruined in the crash.
“A police spokesman tells TMZ a Honda ran a red light and struck Phelps’ Cadillac Escalade, before bouncing off and hitting a parked car. Law enforcement also says Phelps – who was busted for DUI back in 2004 – was definitely not drunk this time. The police spokesman told us ‘If he was impaired, you can bet your bottom dollar he would’ve been taken in. We don’t tolerate that.’ WJZ13 shot footage of Phelps inside an ambulance giving his official statement to police – we’re told he was ‘very respectful of the process’.” TMZ writes.
As we also reported yesterday, Phelps was held for questioning by the police and was then allowed to go home. No field sobriety test was performed at the time officers descended on the scene of the crash, as it was clear that the swimmer was not under the influence. Reports also stress, as also noted above, that he was very cooperative with them, and patiently answered all questions.
Also yesterday when news of the crash broke, several reports said that, besides the driver of the Honda, another passenger was taken to the hospital for injuries. The woman behind the wheel of the car that seemed to have caused the accident complained of “head and arm pain,” while another person, who was with Phelps, was also reportedly injured and rushed to the emergency room. Details on the condition of either are yet to be revealed to the media. Michael Phelps was not hurt and did not require medical assistance.