Mary Lou Retton, a well-known Olympic gold medalist and former gymnast, was arrested for DUI near the Pennsylvania border, according to police.
The arrest happened on Saturday, May 25, when officers with the South Strabane Township Police Department noticed a car swerving on the road around 3:17 a.m.
The driver was later identified as 56-year-old Mary Lou Retton, a resident of West Virginia. Police said the vehicle had crossed over the white line several times and was not staying in one lane. This behavior raised concerns and led officers to pull the car over for further inspection.
According to police reports, when the officer approached the vehicle, Retton showed signs of being under the influence.
Her eyes were bloodshot, and officers said she had trouble finding her driver’s license when asked. They also noticed the smell of alcohol inside the car.
Police administered field sobriety tests, which Retton reportedly failed. As a result, she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. She was then taken to the hospital to undergo a blood test to determine her blood alcohol content (BAC).
The test results have not yet been released publicly, but police say she will face DUI charges. Officials said that formal charges are pending while they wait for the blood test results.
Mary Lou Retton gained national fame during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she became the first American woman to win the all-around gymnastics gold medal. Her performance made her a household name and a beloved figure in American sports history.
This recent incident has surprised many of her fans, as she has mostly stayed away from the public eye in recent years.
Just a few months ago, Retton had been in the news due to a serious illness that left her hospitalized. She later recovered and thanked fans for their support during that difficult time.
Police confirmed that Retton was cooperative during the traffic stop and arrest. Her car was towed from the scene, and she was later released from custody.
As of now, no court date has been announced. The case remains under investigation, and updates are expected once the blood test results are available.
This arrest adds to a growing number of cases where public figures have faced legal issues related to drunk driving.
Authorities continue to remind all drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving, stressing that it not only puts the driver at risk but also endangers others on the road.