Mike Tyson charged with drug offences

Published on Saturday 30 December 2006 15:38

FORMER world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and possession of cocaine, police in Arizona said yesterday.

Sergeant Larry Hall, of the Buckeye Police Department, said Tyson was arrested early yesterday in Scottsdale, ten miles east of Phoenix.

He said that as Tyson left the driveway of a private house he nearly collided with another car.

"The vehicle he almost struck was actually a sheriff's vehicle," Sgt Hall said. "He's been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and possession of a controlled substance, cocaine. It was found on him and in his car."

Tyson was being held in a Phoenix jail and is due to appear in court. "He will probably see the judge later this morning and either be released or post bond," Hall said. "He was actually very co-operative and acted like a complete gentleman."

The 40-year-old, known as "Iron Mike", became heavyweight champion of the world at 21, but was later banned and fined 1.45 million after he bit off part of opponent Evander Holyfield's ear during a fight in 1997.