"3 Doors Down" bassist charged in fatal crash, facing new DUI

D'IBERVILLE, Miss. - Todd Harrell, a founding member and bassist for 3 Doors Down who was already facing a vehicular homicide case in Tennessee, was arrested Tuesday night on a DUI charge in Mississippi, according to police.

Harrell was found "slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle" by officers responding to a citizen's call about an impaired driver, D'Iberville police Chief Wayne Payne told The Associated Press.

"On arrival our officers made contact with the driver and there were signs of his being impaired," Payne said.

Harrell was charged with a second-offense DUI involving a substance other than alcohol, Payne said, and police got a court order to take a blood sample from him.

"We don't know what the substance is at the time. We sent the sample on to the crime lab for testing," Payne said.

Payne said Harrell was released on a $1,789 cash bond.

The DUI arrest is Harrell's second in D'Iberville. In July 2012, his Cadillac rear-ended another vehicle. Harrell was later found to be driving under the influence of prescription drugs and was convicted. He lost his appeal in Harrison County Court on Jan. 8. In sentencing, the jail time was waived if Harrell could go six months without any further legal problems and enrolled in victim impact and substance abuse programs.

Harrell has also been in trouble in Nashville, Tenn. He's accused of driving impaired in an accident resulting in another driver's death in April 2013.

Police say Harrell was under the influence when he was speeding down the interstate and clipped the back of a pickup. The driver of the truck, 47-year-old Paul Shoulders Jr. was killed.

Police say Harrell admitted to drinking and taking prescription drugs before the wreck.

Harrell spent several days in jail and was freed on $100,000 bond. Then, that spring, Harrell checked himself into a drug treatment facility. He also bowed out of the band’s world tour.

He faces multiple charges in connection with that case, including vehicular homicide by intoxication, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, violation of the implied consent law and possession of contraband.

In 1999, Harrell was arrested in Pascagoula, Miss., on a charge of public intoxication, records show. Harrell, police said, was drunk and used profanity when talking to officers. It's not clear whether he was convicted on that charge.

Harrell, former guitarist Matt Roberts and lead singer Brad Arnold, formed the rock band 3 Doors Down in Escatawpa, Miss., in 1996. Roberts left the band in May 2012 with health problems. The band is known for songs such as "When I'm Gone" and "Kryptonite."

Harrell lives outside Nashville.

The group is preparing for a six-city tour of Canada beginning June 3.