'Charlie Tuna' booked on drug charge

Associated Press

ST. LOUIS -- A St. Louis on-air sports personality and columnist turned himself in to the St. Charles County Sheriff's Department, where he was booked on a felony drug possession charge and later released.

Charles Edwards, who goes by the on-air name ''Charlie Tuna,'' surrendered Thursday night and was booked for felony possession of drugs. A department spokeswoman said Friday that Edwards, 57, of St. Louis was released on a $10,000 bond.

Edwards has been on several St. Louis-area radio stations, and has been a panelist on KMOX Sports Open Line programs. He also writes a column for the St. Louis Argus newspaper.

Edwards told KSDK-TV on Friday that police him over last December in Lake St. Louis for failure to use a turn signal. Edwards said he refused to take a Breathalyzer test and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Investigators said they searched his car and found cocaine.

Edwards said he believes the small packet of cocaine belonged to a passenger who had been with him earlier in the day.

Edwards is due back in court Sept. 1.