Jakarta, ID
Tuesday, May 29 2012, 10:45 AM

World

Obama's uncle arrested on drunk driving charge

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President Barack Obama's uncle was stopped on suspicion of drunk driving in Massachusetts and was being held without bail by federal immigration officials, authorities said Monday.

Onyango Obama, 67, was arested last week in Framingham, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Boston, after police said he made a rolling stop through a stop sign and nearly caused a cruiser to strike his sport utility vehicle.

Police said that after being booked at the police station, Obama was asked whether he wanted to make a telehone call to arrange for bail. "I think I will call the White House," he stated, according to a police report filed in Framingham District Court.

Police said Obama, who is originally from Kenya and is the half-brother of the president's late father, pleaded not guilty Friday and is being held without bail ona detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In a court document, ICE said Onyango Obama had an earlier deportation or removal order.

His immigration status couldn't immediately be confirmed, but such orders are generally reserved for people living in the country illegally. A spokesman for IC declined to comment on Onyango Obama's immigration case, and the White House had no comment.

Obama was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failure to yield the right of way.

Michael Rogers, a spokesman for Cleveland immigra