Erin Brockovich-Ellis Arrested For Suspicion Of Boating While Intoxicated

Erin Brockovich-Ellis, the environmental advocate who was the inspiration for the movie Erin Brockovich, was arrested for an OUI (Operating Under the Influence) while operating a boat in Lake Mead, outside of Boulder City, Nev.

Brockovich-Ellis was taken to the Clark County Detention Center on Friday night and posted $1,000 bail, according to People.

A game warden saw Brockovich-Ellis, 52, struggling to dock her boat, offered her assistance, noticed her slurred speech and shortly after arrested her. “She was obviously struggling to put the boat in the slip, and if you’ve had any experience, it’s a simple enough operation,” said Edwin Lyngar, a spokesman for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Brockovich-Ellis’ blood alcohol level proved to be well over the legal limit, Lyngar added.

Brockovich issued a public statement of apology, assuring that she was not operating the boat in open water. “At no time was the boat away from the dock and there was no public safety risk. That being said, I take drunk driving very seriously, this was clearly a big mistake, I know better and I am very sorry,” reported ABC News.

Brockovich-Ellis, who lacked any legal education, became a household name when she helped settle a case against the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, accusing them of polluting the water in a Southern California town. Her story was later adapted into the 2000 film Erin Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts, for which she won an Academy Award.

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