Puddle of Mudd's Wes Scantlin was reportedly arrested on Wednesday in Burbank, California, after a dramatic confrontation with police officers.
Burbank Police Department officers pulled over Scantlin's black Hummer H2 after witnessing a traffic violation, asked for identification, and then discovered the famous rock star had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for a previous incident. TMZThings started to escalate when police asked Scantlin to step out of his vehicle but he refused, and SWAT teams were called in and, after a series of nasty exchanges, pepper spray and tear gas canisters were used.
Wes Scantlin (right) of Puddle of Mudd performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California on July 17, 2001. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
According to TMZ, police learned that Scantlin was wanted at the airport for possessing a weapon. Officers on scene repeatedly asked Scantlin to exit the vehicle, but after multiple attempts, he remained in the Hummer and refused to exit. Police requested additional assistance and crisis negotiators were dispatched to the scene.
According to TMZ, crisis workers made contact with Scantlin and tried to convince him to comply with officers' demands, but the famous singer stubbornly refused to exit the vehicle.
A source familiar with the situation said pepper spray was used but that had no effect and the suspect remained refusing to budge.
CASTLE DONINGTON, UK – JUNE 10: Wes Scantlin of Puddle of Mudd performs on the main stage during day one of Download Festival at Donington Park in Castle Donington, UK on June 10, 2011. (Photo by Christy Goodwin/Getty Images)
The standoff became so violent that SWAT teams were called in. They arrived on the scene around 4 a.m. and smashed the windows of Scantlin's car before firing non-lethal tear gas canisters at him. The tactic was successful, and Scantlin was eventually able to escape, according to TMZ.
Scantlin was taken to the hospital where her eyes were washed out with pepper balls and she was reportedly not injured during the interaction with SWAT.
The famous singer was taken to jail on an outstanding arrest warrant and a new charge of resisting arrest. (Related: Aerosmith retires from touring due to Steven Tyler's health condition)
Scantlin was summonsed and released for trial on August 20.
This story continues to unfold.
