Fox News Network anchor Gregg Jarrett, who was arrested in a bar at Minneapolis-St.Paul Airport, may have been under the influence of medication that did not mix well with alcohol, a police report says, according to the Associated Press.
The 59-year-old Jarrett was arrested Wednesday afternoon at Northern Lights Grill in Terminal One, according to Metropolitan Airports Commission spokesman Patrick Hogan, KARE-TV reports.
Airport police, who were called to the bar, reported that Jarrett seemed intoxicated, acted belligerently and refused to follow their orders.
A bar employee said Jarrett became intoxicated after only one drink, AP reported. He allegedly told a customer he took medication before his flight, but Jarrett denied the statement when questioned by police.
Police found gabapentin pills in his pocket, according to the report. When officers searched Jarretts bag it was revealed he was recently released from an alcohol and chemical dependency treatment facility.
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used to treat conditions ranging from epilepsy to restless leg syndrome, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Strange or unusual thoughts and drowsiness are listed as potential side effects of the medication. Alcohol may add to the drowsiness, the Library of Medicine adds.
In some cases people taking gabapentin may become suicidal, and there is a risk a user may experience changes in their mental health, including aggressive, angry, or violent behavior.
According to the Star-Tribune, the police report also said that Jarrett, at one point, became increasingly agitated and swore as the arresting officer as fire department personnel began evaluating his medical condition.
As the officer was trying to re-handcuff the newsman, Jarrett allegedly grabbed the officers arm. Struggling to get Jarrett cuffed, other officers helped subdue the inmate, who was then driven to jail in downtown Minneapolis, the newspaper reports.
A Fox News spokeswoman said Jarrett, who has not been on the air since mid-April, is dealing with serious personal issues and his return to the air has yet to be determined.
We were made aware late last night that Gregg Jarrett was arrested in Minneapolis yesterday and charged with a misdemeanor, the statement says. He is dealing with serious personal issues at this time. A date at which Gregg might return to air has yet to be determined.
The newsman was booked into Hennepin County Jail and charged with interfering with a peace officer, a misdemeanor.
County jail records show that Jarrett posted $300 bail and is scheduled for a court appearance on June 6. He was released at 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
The website TVNEWSER reported this month that Jarrett, a weekend co-anchor, was taken off the air recently after requesting a leave of absence for personal reasons.
The veteran newsman, who was born in Los Angeles, worked at MSNBC before joining Fox in 2002.
Jarrett, who also worked at CNBC and Court TV, has covered stories ranging from the Iraq War to the O.J. Simpson trial.
Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20140523/ENT07/305230050/Gregg-Jarrett-Fox-News-anchor-s-arrest-pills-possible-factor
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