Former Mets P Dwight Gooden, last seen in this space doing a bit of tagging in an otherwise unremarkable Queens convention center, was arrested earlier today on charges of driving under the influence of a controlled substance. From the New York Daily News’ Edgar Sandoval and Larry McShane :
Cops in the tony New Jersey suburb of Franklin Lakes responded after receiving a 911 call at 8:50am, and arrested Gooden after the ex-major leaguer left the scene of the two-car crash on Old Mill Rd.
Gooden, 45, was charged with driving while under the influence of drugs, endangering the welfare of a child, leaving the scene, reckless driving and DWI with a child passenger. He has a 5-year-old son, Dylan.
The former star was released on his own recognizance. Police declined to say what drug was involved, although Gooden has a long history of alcoholism and cocaine abuse.
“It’s a small town but we do get excitement sometimes,” Det. Lt. John Bakelaar said. “It’s not like it happened in New York City. But we have three of those ‘Housewives’ living here and we have a lot of big name athletes.”
The New Jersey suburb is also home to former Giants quarterback Phil Simms. Jailed ex-NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik was also a resident.
Earlier this year, the Mets revealed Gooden, along with teammate Darryl Strawberry, former GM Frank Cashen and manager Davey Johnson, would be inducted into the club’s Hall Of Fame.