DWI Charge Against Bruce Springsteen Dropped

Case dismissed!

Prosecuters dropped a DWI charge against Bruce Springsteen Wednesday morning after the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer plead guilty this morning at his 11 am court date (Feb. 24) to having an open bottle and consuming an alcoholic beverage Nov. 14 at the Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook.

“Mr. Springsteen is pleased with the outcome of today’s court appearance. The prosecutor was unable to provide the necessary evidence and facts as it related to the charge of Driving under the Influence (DUI) and Reckless Driving and therefore, dismissed both of those charges,” said Springsteen’s attorney, Mitchell Ansell of Ansell, Grimm & Aaron in a statement. “Mr Springsteen, who has no previous criminal record of any kind, voluntarily plead guilty to a violation of consuming an alcoholic beverage in a closed area, agreeing to a fine of $500.  We want to thank the Court and will have no further comment at this time.”

Springsteen appeared via Zoom before New Jersey enclave court magistrate Judge Anthony R. Mautone.

The park ranger who arrested Springsteen recounted in court that he witnessed the musician pour the last drink from a bottle of Patron tequila before taking off on his Triumph motorcycle. A report filed stated Springsteen smelled strongly of alcohol, was unsteady on his feet and glassy-eyed before his arrest.

The 71-year old Freehold native also refused to take a breathalyzer test and failed a “stop and turn” test — taking 45 steps rather than the requested 18, according to court papers.