Russell Rhodes, Fox 13 Tampa News Anchor, Arrested

Russell Rhodes, a news anchor at Fox 13 in Tampa, is free on bail following an arrest over the weekend.

Russell Rhodes Arrest

Russell Rhodes was arrested late Friday night when officers say they saw him driving recklessly in a parking garage, local media reports indicate. According to those reports, Rhodes — who anchored Tampa’s Fox 13 Good Day Tampa Bay program — got out of the vehicle with his belt undone and his pants unbuttoned. Deputies say he seemed to be drunk.

Investigators claim Russell Rhodes disregarded orders and tried to flee on multiple occasions. Officers eventually pushed him to the ground, which resulted in some facial injuries, as seen in the mugshot above. (You can click on the image to enlarge it.)

Russell Rhodes’ official charges are obstructing an officer without violence. He was released Saturday in lieu of $500 bond.

Blood tests are now being reviewed to determine how intoxicated Rhodes may have been.

As for his anchoring role, Fox 13 has posted a story on its site stating that “management is aware of the matter and is reviewing it.” Rhodes is not expected to be on the air today.

Russell Rhodes has been with Fox 13 in Tampa since 1994.