Avery Brooks Arrested for DUI

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Friday, February 03, 2012

Avery Brooks, who played Captain Benjamin Sisko in "Star Trek" has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol this week.

The incident occurred in the wealthy suburb of Wilton, Conn. on Sunday evening. Police said they had received complaints about the 63-year-old actor's driving. Brooks was pulled over and taken into custody around 10 p.m.

With no prior offenses, the "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" star will likely be penalized with a fine of $1,000. The actor could face a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a 1-year-long suspension of his driver's license.

Following the arrest, police released Brooks, who will appear in court Feb. 9.

The Princeton, N.J. resident is scheduled for arraignment in state court in Norwalk for the charges. Brooks has not commented on his arrest and it is unclear if he has a lawyer, reported The Associated Press.

The 1990s series of "Star Trek" saw the actor become the first black thespian to play the leading role in the series as Capt. Sisko. The series ran from 1993 to 1999.

In addition to his role in "Star Trek," Brooks is well known for his portrayal of Hawk on "Spenser: For Hire" and its spinoff "A Man Called Hawk." He also appeared in the Academy Award-nominated movie "American History X."

Brooks' last on-screen acting role was in 2001's "15 Minutes" alongside actor Robert De Niro.

More recently, the actor appeared in fellow "Star Trek" star William Shatner's documentary, "The Captains." Shatner's project also saw "Star Trek" actors such as Patrick Stewart, Kate Mulgrew, Scott Bakula, and Chris Pine.

Brooks will act in the upcoming theatrical production "Ira Aldridge: The African Roscius" at Armstrong Atlantic State University on Feb. 18.

Many Hollywood stars have received DUI charges before Brooks. He joins a group of actors that include Estella Warren, Jaime Pressly, Michelle Rodriguez, Kiefer Sutherland, and many more who have been arrested under the suspicion of driving under the influence.