Puddle of Mudd’s Wes Scantlin Taken Into Custody After Standoff With SWAT Over Traffic Violation

For over 30 years, Wes Scantlin stood alongside Puddle of Mudd as the grunge band released six studio albums and sold millions of records. While juggling numerous controversies throughout their time in the spotlight, the band continued to entertain fans. But recently, singer Wes Scantlin found himself on the wrong side of the law yet again when a routine traffic stop turned into a standoff with SWAT. 

While considered one of the top voices in heavy metal, Scantlin’s history with law enforcement is somewhat turbulent. In 2015, the singer was arrested twice for driving under the influence. Reports even claimed he led police on a car chase. Just a year later, he made headlines yet again when he apparently vandalized a home he used to live at. Most recently, Scantlin was pulled over in Burbank, California for a traffic violation. Although routine, the officer revealed Scantlin had an outstanding warrant for possessing a weapon in an airport, per TMZ.

When Scantlin refused to exit his vehicle, police and even a negotiator tried to speak with the singer in hopes of ending the altercation without violence. With the altercation going on for over two hours, law enforcement decided to call in the SWAT team. The team used pepper spray to detain Scantlin. The musician was treated at a local hospital before being booked at the Burbank jail. While released, Scantlin is due back in court on August 20th. 

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Wes Scantlin Discusses The Problem With The Media

Back in 2022, Scantlin discussed his checkered past with AL.com. Not shying away from his mistake, the singer diverted the conversation, attacking the media. “You know, the media kind of tricks people into believing things that really just aren’t seriously true. Sure, I got arrested for driving under the influence and so forth, but who hasn’t, you know? I don’t know anybody who hasn’t.”

Knowing the downside of stardom, Scantlin concluded, “Everybody doesn’t get their stuff on blast on TMZ and reported about all over the globe and stuff. Everybody runs into like devious people you should’ve never run into, but you did and crazy stuff happened. I’m really just a cool downhome Kansas City boy that my dreams came true…”

(Photo by J.Sciulli/WireImage for Brent Bolthouse Productions)