Barbara Walters' Daughter Arrested, 'Taken to the Ground' for DUI
Barbara Walters' daughter was taken into custody not only for suspicion of DUI, but for displaying abusive behavior as well earlier this week.
Jacqueline Walters Danforth was arrested in Naples, Florida on Sunday after police received reports of an SUV stopped along the highway without lights on, according to TMZ.
At the scene, officers encountered Danforth and a male companion, who both appeared drunk.
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According to the police report, Walters' 44-year-old daughter "began shouting" once officers went to place handcuffs on her companion, TMZ reported.
"I was afraid that the suspect may run into traffic on the highway, so she was taken to the ground due to her unpredictable behavior, then secured in handcuffs," the arresting officer noted in the report.
Then, Danforth took a breathalyzer test which indicated that she was over twice the legal alcohol limit.
Consequently, she was arrested for DUI, but was released hours later on a $1,000 bond.
The arrest does not come as a huge surprise- Walters' daughter has been outspoken about her troubled teenage years in televised specials alongside her mother.
Waltters could have more time to spend with family soon. The longtime television personality, newswoman, and journalist confirmed longstanding rumors of her retirement while on "The View" last week.
The 83-year-old veteran journalist first revealed the news to her Twitter followers.
"Big news, and I want to tell you first," posted Walters.
Then, the ABC correspondent announced the retirement during a segment on the television series she created in 1997.
"A year from now I plan to retire from appearing on television at all. It has been an absolutely joyful, rewarding, challenging, fascinating and occasionally bumpy ride," Walters said on "The View."
An early announcement of Walters' retirement would be fitting since the iconic broadcaster is a staple on ABC News, where her send off is expected to be complete with a formalized tribute. The retirement would begin in May 2014.
Until then, ABC announced that Walters would continue to anchor and report for the network, including "The View," where she will continue to serve as executive producer after she retires.
"I am very happy with my decision," said Walters. "And look forward to a wonderful and special year ahead."
Furthermore, Walters noted that her retirement will be full of relaxation in the statement.
"I do not want to appear on another program or climb another mountain," the veteran ABC News anchor said. "I want instead to sit on a sunny field and admire the very gifted women- and, okay, some men, too- who will be taking my place."
