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Red Sox reliever Bobby Jenks arrested for DUI

He hit two vehicles, left scene of crash

BOBBY JENKS: Court date April 9Associated Press

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Red Sox relief pitcher Bobby Jenks was arrested early Friday morning here and charged with multiple offenses related to driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the police report, Jenks, 31, faces five charges: two counts of DUI and property damage, one count of DUI alcohol or drugs, one count of DUI and property damage, and one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving damage to property.

Jenks was booked at 3:43 a.m. and released at 8:45 a.m. after posting $4,250 bond. He is scheduled for a court appearance April 9.

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“We are aware of it and still gathering info,’’ Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said. Manager Bobby Valentine said he had no further information about the arrest or Jenks’s status with the team.

“We have been made aware of a situation regarding Bobby Jenks and take such matters seriously,’’ the Red Sox said in a statement. “We are gathering information and will refrain from further comment at this time.’’

Jenks is on the 60-day disabled list as he recovers from back surgery in December. He has appeared in 19 games with a 6.32 ERA since being signed to a two-year, $12 million deal by former general manager Theo Epstein before the 2010 season.

According to the police report, Jenks was driving a white Mercedes-Benz SUV when he struck two vehicles while leaving Babes. The bar, which is located in Fort Myers, features exotic dancers.

Jenks was stopped by police a short distance from Babes at 2:35 a.m. and he admitted to striking the two vehicles.

“Probably because I was all over the road back there,’’ Jenks told officers when asked if he knew why he was being stopped. Jenks then claimed he had taken “too many muscle relaxers.’’

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The police report quoted Jenks as saying, “I was just leaving Babes because I hit a car. I just had to get out of there.’’

Jenks, according to the police report, had trouble speaking, was shaking uncontrollably, and had dilated pupils with glassy eyes. He agreed to a field sobriety test that officers said he failed.

Jenks was not seen at the Red Sox complex in Fort Myers Friday. He has been limited to rehabilitation work during spring training. If Jenks pitches at all this season, it is not expected until after the All-Star break.


Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @peteabe.