Elvis Presley’s Arrest History

Elvis Presley’s Arrest History | I Love Classic Rock Videos

Elvis Presley in an interview - Media Collection / Youtube

On the eventful day of April 3, 1955, the iconic Elvis Presley found himself traversing through Caddo Parish in Louisiana in none other than his signature Pink Cadillac. However, this joyride took an unexpected turn as the renowned “Jailhouse Rock” singer was caught exceeding the speed limit, hurtling at a velocity ranging between 65 to 80 miles per hour.

It was during this fast-paced journey that a vigilant police officer caught sight of Presley’s speeding escapade and decided to tail him for approximately eight miles. When the inevitable moment arrived, and the officer pulled him over, it became apparent that the traffic violator was none other than the King of Rock and Roll himself.

Despite the realization of Elvis Presley’s identity, legal consequences ensued, and he was apprehended for surpassing the speed limit by a staggering 20 miles per hour.

Following his arrest, Presley swiftly dealt with the legal formalities by posting a $25 bond, securing his release on the condition that he would make a court appearance the next day. This incident, however, marked just one of several instances in which the celebrated artist found himself on the wrong side of the law.

He started quite an old age to break into a highly competitive industry

As detailed in the account provided by History of Yesterday, Elvis Presley faced another arrest in 1956, marking a second encounter with the law. The incident unfolded when the 21-year-old Presley made a stop at a Gulf gas station. However, what was intended to be a routine visit quickly turned into a chaotic scene as a swarm of fans surrounded him.

Engaged in the enthusiastic act of signing numerous autographs, Presley inadvertently created a bottleneck situation, hindering other customers who sought to refuel their vehicles. The gas station owner, Edd Hopper, and an employee named Aubrey Brown approached Presley, requesting him to relocate to allow for the smooth flow of customers.

Contrary to their appeals, Presley adamantly refused to comply. According to the police report, Hopper and Brown made repeated requests for Presley to move his car, yet he remained obstinate with each entreaty.

Recounting the incident, Hopper emphasized, “He’d say ‘I’m fixin’ to move,’ but he didn’t. We didn’t know who he was, but I would have asked anyone to move. The last time I told him he started to get out, and I shoved him back in the car.”

“I don’t care if you are Elvis Presley!”

The altercation between Hopper and Presley escalated, leading to a physical confrontation. According to Hopper’s account, he asserted that Presley initiated the scuffle by throwing the first punch, connecting with Hopper’s left eye and leaving a small gash. The intensity of the situation prompted Aubrey Brown, an employee at the gas station, to rush outside in defense of Hopper.

Contrastingly, Presley offered a different perspective, contending that Hopper had reached into his car and struck him first. Presley claimed that during the altercation, Hopper exclaimed, “I don’t care if you are Elvis Presley!”

This conflicting narrative, as reported by Elvis Presley Music, further muddled the details of the confrontation and highlighted the differing viewpoints on who instigated the physical exchange.

The altercation not only unfolded in the public eye but also underscored the challenges and complications that arose when attempting to discern the truth amid conflicting testimonies. The incident added a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding Elvis Presley, shedding light on the occasional turbulence that accompanied his fame and interactions with the public.

Elvis’ charges were dismissed

All three individuals, namely Presley, Hopper, and Brown, found themselves in legal trouble, as they were each apprehended and subsequently booked on charges of disorderly conduct, battery, and assault.

Following his arrest, Presley, expressing remorse, uttered, “I’ll regret this day as long as I live. I guess lots of people were waiting for this kind of thing to happen. It’s getting where I can’t even leave the house without something happening to me.” To secure his release, Presley posted a $52 bond and was instructed to appear in court the following day.

On October 19, 1956, the trio convened in court to address the charges. Hopper and Brown faced fines as a consequence of their involvement in the altercation. In a surprising turn of events, Presley’s charges were dismissed, prompting an eruption of applause from the spectators in the courtroom. 

The legal resolution marked a moment of vindication for the renowned entertainer. Upon exiting the courthouse, Presley was greeted by throngs of devoted fans who had gathered to express their unwavering support.