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Danny O'Neil covers the Seahawks for The Seattle Times.

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May 13, 2008 2:16 PM

Lofa Tatupu, police report details

Linebacker Lofa Tatupu was driving a 2006 Hyundai with four passengers in it when he was pulled over and arrested for investigation of drunk-driving. According to the police report, the arresting officer was parked facing westbound when he observed a car driving eastbound on NE 85th Street in Kirkland. The officer estimated the Hyundai's speed to be in excess of 50 mph in an area where the speed limit was 35 mph. The officer made a U-turn and accelerated to 60 mph and still was not catching up to the car.

The officer observed several lane changes by the car, which pulled into the McDonald's parking lot without signaling. The officer indicates this is where he activated his emergency lights and pulled in behind the vehicle.

The officer said he smelled intoxicants, but Tatupu said he had not had anything to drink. Three field-sobriety tests were conducted. After that, Tatupu was asked to take a portable breathalyzer. He declined. Tatupu was arrested for DUI, according to the report, and handcuffed without incident.

At the police department, Tatupu asked for a public defender, and spoke with an attorney. A breath test was administered to Tatupu after that. The test requires two samples. Twice, Tatupu provided one good sample but the second was not good. The officer wrote Tatupu did not provide a consistent flow of air on the second sample. The officer asked Tatupu why he was unable to provide two samples and Tatupu said he was doing his best. The officer told Tatupu if it happened a third time, he would be taken to the hospital for a voluntary blood draw. Tatupu gave a final breath sample after 4 a.m., the samples measured at 0.155 and 0.158 according to the report and after that Tatupu was cited for driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor.

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Posted by John_S

3:04 PM, May 13, 2008

Two Things....

Why do you lie and say that you have not had anything to drink. Everybody knows that you're going to take a breathalyzer.

Second....a HYUNDAI !@&%# You get a $40 mill contract and you're driving a HYUNDAI???

Posted by wabubba

3:13 PM, May 13, 2008

I like that he's driving a Hyundai...at least he's saving his money!

Should now come in handy for court expenses, fines, and possibly moving expenses if Ruskell really has the balls to enforce his edict.

That said, I feel bad for Tatupu. How many of us could have been in a similar situation at that age without all the money and women that are certainly floating around in his life?

Posted by byebye

3:31 PM, May 13, 2008

Dude. A Hyundai?
It was good having you on the team Lofa.
Enjoy being being released before the season starts.

Posted by Bobby_K

7:00 PM, May 13, 2008

The Seahawks arent going to Release Lofa.....your crazy to even think that.....it was a one time mistake......he doesnt have a track record of getting in trouble everyone needs to stop freaking out......the hyundai thing is pretty funny though lol....

Posted by I'm a rockstar

8:33 PM, May 13, 2008

To all the negative people who decided to spend their time and energy on writing comments about lofa's incident. When your book comes out "What it's like to be perfect" I will make sure to pick up a copy and read it. Lofa has done incredible things for our community and invididuals. Its to bad that you are not aware of his generiosity. We all make mistakes he will come out of this stronger. Lets go onto something positive..

Posted by CYkopat

8:45 PM, May 13, 2008

Umm...Really dude a Hyundai? Obivously there is something fishy a foot with the officers report.

Drive Hammered, Get Nailed or Get a Hyundai.

Posted by Fan since '76

8:23 AM, May 14, 2008

I needed to comment on the Hyundai since that is the most shocking fact of the pro football player. I wonder if there was a misspelling of Hummer?? Oh well-I do believe Lofa will step up and be a man about this and all will be well. I hope he will step up and do some driving and drinking public servie things. .158-wow!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Cykopat

6:34 PM, May 15, 2008

The Hyundai incident continues as it has now been identified as a 2006 Hyundai Accent. I just don't understand what has happened?

This just doesn't make sense? Perhaps a viral marketing campaign for Housewife Soccer Mon Hyundai's?

Posted by HyundaiFan

6:06 AM, May 16, 2008

Hyundai? and everyone freaks.
Hummer - and everyone raves about what a gas waster it is and the extravagance of professional athletes.

At least he's smart enough to pick a car that doesn't attract immediate attention!

Drive a Hyundai - HIT HARD!! - I am sure that Lofa will rebound from this and be a better man for it - unlike some, such as Koren Robinson.

Lofa's in a totally different class.

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