An open container of alcohol was discovered in the vehicle of former NFL quarterback Tony Romo during his operating while under the influence (OWI) arrest on July 23, according to citations released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office provided copies of three citations issued to Romo in the aftermath of his arrest, one of which states an "open bottle of an alcoholic beverage" was found on the passenger side of his black Jeep. A deputy located the item while conducting an inventory of the vehicle as it was being towed. Romo faces a $267 fine for this alleged offense.
Additional Citations Issued
Romo was also cited for "unsafe passing on right." According to the citation, he drove in the right distress lane to pass vehicles during rush hour traffic before cutting across a marked gore to reach his intended lane. The arresting officer noted in the citation that Romo questioned the definition of a "gore" when it was explained to him. This offense carries a $235 fine.
The final citation was for "operating while under the influence," with a potential fine of $1,066. Court records also indicate Romo was subsequently cited for refusing to take an intoxication test after his arrest. He told an officer during his detainment, "I’ve heard from all the lawyers don’t ever do that. So, we’re not going to do that."
Details of the Arrest
Romo was pulled over by authorities around 5:30 p.m. on July 23. Bodycam footage released of the incident shows Romo telling officers he was coming from a golf course and en route to visit his grandparents. Officers noted that Romo exhibited "red glassy eyes" and an "odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage" emanating from his person, which led to their suspicion of impairment.
Romo underwent multiple field sobriety tests at a police station, during which he appeared to perform poorly on all of them. He has not yet publicly commented on the incident. His court date is scheduled for September 21.