Clayton News Daily

By Jason A. Smith

jsmith@henryherald.com

A nationally-recognized rapper and actor was arrested in Henry County over the weekend, charged with driving more than 100 mph.

Andre Laure Benjamin of Stone Mountain, also known as Andre 3000, was stopped on Interstate 75 in Stockbridge, police said. Benjamin, 33, is a member of the popular group OutKast, and co-starred in the 2006 film "Idlewild."

The traffic stop reportedly took place at approximately 12:30 a.m., on Saturday.

According to Henry County Police Capt. Jason Bolton, an officer with the department's Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) unit spotted Benjamin in his Porsche.

"[The officer] observed a vehicle traveling at what appeared to be a very high rate of speed northbound on 75," said Bolton. "He checked the vehicle's speed on his laser, which showed to be 109 mph. He conducted a traffic stop and [Benjamin] was arrested and taken to jail."

Bolton said drivers traveling at speeds of 30 mph, or more, over the speed limit, are typically taken into custody.

"Traveling that fast along 75, you're passing people as if they're standing still," said Bolton. "It's an accident waiting to happen... It's considered reckless at that point."

Benjamin, was released from the Henry County Jail Saturday on $1,200 bond. He is scheduled to answer the traffic charge at a later date in Henry County State Court.

Eufaula Garrett, Benjamin's publicist, did not immediately return a phone call from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Police say Benjamin told them he was going so fast because he missed an exit and had to turn around.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.