Cat Cora DUI: Iron Chef's 911 Call Released (VIDEO)
Iron Chef Cat Cora was charged with DUI on June 17 after rear-ending another vehicle. Now the 911 call that led police to the scene of the accident has been released and has revealed Cora's actions throughout the ordeal.
When a 911 operator asked the male caller why he thought Cora was intoxicated, he responded, "She's just been very aggressive. There was a red light and she was just driving insane. I was told by a few other cars passing nearby that you'd better call 911 because she's been wavering all over the road."
After the accident, the caller called 911 again and told the operator, " I think she's drunk. She's yelling and kind of acting really weird. She's still there, acting really weird. She's yelling at us and I just want to be sure she doesn't take off."
When police arrived, they administered a Breathalyzer test, which Cora failed with a nearly double-the-limit amount of alcohol in her blood. She was promptly arrested and charged with DUI (driving under the influence). Cora was given nine days to stand before the judge and be arraigned, which is why her mugshot photo is so polished, sources have revealed.
Cora has long been a staple in the culinary community, having studied at The Culinary Institute of America, worked with chefs George Blanc and Melissa Kelly. She has hosted several shows, including the most recent "Around the World in 80 Plates" and was the first female Iron Chef to compete.
On July 20, 2012, it was announced that Cora would be the first woman inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy in the culinary community. It was a bit of good news after the DUI.
"I deeply regret my decision to drive that evening after my designated driver became unavailable," Cora said in a statement. "I learned a very important lesson from this experience and take full accountability for my actions. This will never happen again," she promised.
Watch video of the encounter here: