Globe

PARK RANGER INSISTS BRUCE WAS BLITZED

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AS CONTROVERS­Y swirls around music legend Bruce Springstee­n’s recent DWI bust, the lawman leveling the charge insists The Boss was so crocked he was “visibly swaying” and couldn’t follow directions when they pulled him over.

A federal park ranger, R.L. Hayes, bagged the 71-year-old Thunder Road singer after he stopped his motorcycle to snap a picture with fans by the lighthouse at the Gateway National Recreation Area park near Sandy Hook, N.J., on Nov. 14.

After downing a Patrón tequila shot and starting his bike engine, he was busted because it’s illegal to booze in the area, charges Hayes, who claims he witnessed the boozing.

“The Patrón bottle that the shot was poured out of was completely empty (750ml),” says Hayes. “I asked Springstee­n if he was leaving and he confirmed that he was going to drive out of the park.”

The ranger also claims the singer admitted downing “two shots of tequila in the last 20 minutes” and showed four of the six clues of drunkennes­s on the turn and walk test.

He “was visibly swaying back and forth,” had “glassy eyes” and “took 45 total steps during the walk and turn instead of the instructed 18.”

He also refused the breath test.

While a later test showed he had only .02 alcohol in his blood — way under Jersey’s .08 limit — he was charged with driving while intoxicate­d, reckless driving and drinking in a closed area. Springstee­n was expected to plead not guilty at a Feb. 24 hearing — and lawyers say he has a good chance of having the charges tossed.

 ??  ?? Bruce chugs a beer on the stage
Springstee­n was “swaying” and glassy eyed, court records say
Bruce chugs a beer on the stage Springstee­n was “swaying” and glassy eyed, court records say

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