District Attorney Gilbert Romero of the Ventura County District Attorney's office has decided not to pursue charges against Puddle of Mudd's lead singer, Wes Scantlin and his fiancee Michelle Rubin.

Scantlin and Rubin were arrested on March 10th and investigated for battery and domestic violence. Officers responded to a report on Sunday morning of a man and woman fighting along the side of State Highway 126. Scantlin, reportedly on the way to a video shoot, allegedly forced Rubin back into a Jeep Cherokee, which was then driven away by a third party. The dispute continued, observed by trailing motorists, until Sheriff's deputies and the California Highway Patrol stopped the vehicle and took the pair into custody. Scantlin and Rubin were held at Ventura County Jail for only half an hour before posting bond, set at $20,000 each.

The arrests did not affect the Puddle of Mudd tour, which kicked off as planned on March 12th in Austin, Texas.

CHRISTINA SARACENO
(March 14, 2002)