Shepard Mug Shot
Jan. 5 2009, Published 12:05 p.m. ET
Actor/playwright Sam Shepard was arrested on Saturday morning for speeding and drunken driving.
The 65 year-old told the Normal, Illinois police that he was just passing through town and visited a tavern before going to his hotel.
The Bloomington, Illinois Pantagraph reported that Shepard's blood alcohol level was double the legal limit, and that he was driving 16 mph over the 30 mph limit.
Shepard was reportedly on his way to his Kentucky home.
Shepard received an Oscar nomination for his role as test pilot Chuck Yeager in the movie The Right Stuff. He also won the 1979 Pulitzer Prize for drama for his play Buried Child.
Shepard has two children with his long-time partner, actress Jessica Lange.