August Busch IV May Face Charges Of Trying To Fly The Aircraft While Impaired

Former Anheuser-Busch CEO August Busch IV was arrested Monday after landing his helicopter at a small office complex in Swansea, IL just east of St. Louis, MO.

According to information posted on the Swansea Police facebook page, on 07-10-17 at 12:48 PM Swansea Police Officers were dispatched to a report of a helicopter landing, for an unknown reason, at 1 Bronze Point, Swansea. Upon their arrival the helicopter was already on the ground in a parking lot. Assessment of the area and safety of the helicopter taking off due to close obstacles and buildings was of concern. Chief Steve Johnson contacted the FAA and they advised they would investigate the landing and requested pictures and information. The requested information was forwarded.

On 07-10-17 at 8:14 PM Swansea Police Officers were notified by a caller the pilot had returned to the helicopter and appeared too intoxicated to take off. When a Swansea Officer arrived the helicopter rotors were spinning and the engine was revving up. The Officer turned on the emergency lights on the squad car and the pilot powered down the engine. A second Swansea Officer arrived on scene. After a conversation with the pilot Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were performed on the pilot. Due to the totality of the circumstances the pilot was taken into custody. The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office issued a search warrant for the blood, urine, breath or other bodily substance of the pilot. The pilot was transported to a local hospital where this was performed.

"We have been in close communications and coordination with the FAA and the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. This is not your normal case that a street police officer handles," said Swansea Police Chief Steve Johnson. "The safety and security of the community, the pilot and passenger were of the utmost concern. The pilot was released from custody on 07-11-17 at 12:28 PM pending completion of the investigation. Family members are contacting another pilot to remove the helicopter.”

Television station KTVI reports that, according to court records, police believe Busch may have also been under the influence of a controlled substance. His wife told officers that he suffers from anxiety issues, but was off his medication due to other treatment for infertility.

At the scene, the 53-year-old Busch reportedly told officers he had a concealed carry license, and had a gun in his pants pocket, which he removed. Officers also found other prescription drugs on his person, but the appeared to be for his wife.

While searching the helicopter, authorities found several loaded weapons and several containers of prescription drugs.

Busch was CEO of Anheuser-Busch from 2006-2008, when it was purchased by InBev, a multinational brewing company with headquarters in Belgium. No charges have yet been filed.

FMI: www.facebook.com/swanseapolice