MUSHROOM KINGDOM – Global star Mario has appeared in court accused of driving under the influence while racing through a Mushroom Kingdom neighbourhood in a rented kart.
Mario was arrested on Sunday after police say he was driving recklessly on Rainbow Road in a light red Standard Kart M model vehicle.
The 40-year-old was released from custody after posting bail of 2,500 Gold Coins.
Danger to society
The incident took place just after 4am in a residential area near a school for immigrant Kirbys.
Mario was held along with the driver of a second vehicle, a green Classic Dragster Kart, who was later identified as brother Luigi. Both cars were impounded.
It’s understood Toad was with the brothers at the time but fled the scene with help of a Boo power up and is now considered a fugitive from justice.
Mario was taken home from the court by Princess Peach who was said to be looking “extremely pissed off”.
The police statement said: “The suspects were starting from a stop position and proceeding to accelerate to a high rate of speed, going almost double the speed limit or more if they timed the drift just right.”
Reports also accuse Mario and his entourage of conducting similar stunts in Coconut Mall and Moonview Highway.
Mario was “a problem from the start” according to one of the arresting officers at the scene.
“First he pretended he didn’t see us flashing our lights, then he dropped a triple banana on us.”
“But he didn’t know our star was already activated, and when we put that red shell on him we were able to move in for the arrest.”
Troubled star
Mario initially refused to cooperate during the investigation and made statements that he had consumed some alcohol and had been smoking Fire Flower.
When asked to step out of his kart he was inexplicably wearing a frog suit and also charged with resisting arrest after throwing fireballs at officers.
He was said to be more cooperative in court, though authorities released a mug shot showing him punching a brick ceiling looking for more coins.
The incident comes barely a week after Mario’s Mushroom Kingdom home was searched by police following allegations he egged Bowser’s castle.
In November, officials at the Mushroom City border seized Mini, Bee, Super and Rock Mushrooms from Mario’s person and he was charged with unlawful possession distribution of a controlled substance.
With this most recent incident, many fear Mario could be deported back to Italy unless he puts a stop to his disruptive behaviour.
“I’m worried. The way he’s going he’ll run out of 1UPs soon,” said long-time friend Pac Man. “No one wants to see that happen.”
“Well, expect Sonic.”
Free my nigga Mario