Environmental Activist Erin Brockovich-Ellis Arrested for Drunk Boating
She was arrested after a game warden saw her struggling to dock her boat.
June 9, 2013— -- Environmental activist Erin Brockovich-Ellis was arrested on suspicion of boating under the influence at Lake Mead, outside of Boulder City, Nev., authorities said today.
A game warden with the Nevada Department of Wildlife arrested Brockovich-Ellis, 52, of Agoura Hills, Calif. after he watched her allegedly struggling to dock her boat at the Las Vegas Boat Harbor, a news release stated.
Brockovich-Ellis allegedly "exhibited several signs showing that she was an intoxicated boater," the Nevada Department of Wildlife news release said.
"She was not sure how to maneuver the boat into the dock," Nevada Department of Wildlife spokesman Edwin Lyngar told The Associated Press. "It's a simple thing if you can think clearly. But if you add alcohol and unfamiliarity of the area, it can all cause serious problems."
Her blood alcohol level was discovered to be more than twice the legal limit, Lyngar told the Associated Press.
Brokovich-Ellis issued a statement of apology today, but saying that she was not operating the boat in open waters, according to the AP.
"At no time was the boat away from the dock and there was no public safety risk," she said. "That being said, I take drunk driving very seriously, this was clearly a big mistake, I know better and I am very sorry.
"After a day in the sun and with nothing to eat it appears that a couple of drinks had a greater impact than I had realized," she added.
Brockovich-Ellis was booked into Clark County Detention Center on Friday night. She was released from jail after posting $1,000 bail, The Associated Press reported.
Under Nevada law, a first-time offense of boating while intoxicated is a misdemeanor that draws fines from $1,000 to $2,000 but no jail time. Authorities were unsure whether it was Brockovich's first arrest on the charge, according to the AP.
Brockovich-Ellis' legal battle with Pacific Gas & Electric over polluting the water supply of a California town was turned into a 2000 film starring Julia Roberts, for which the actress won an Academy Award.
ABC News' attempts to reach Brockovich-Ellis were not succesful.
