Shane Richie, known for his role in EastEnders, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving after a late-night altercation at a petrol station in Harlow, Essex.
The 62-year-old actor, whose legal name is Shane Roche, was at a Tesco forecourt on Church Langley Way around 11 p.
>>> Celtic Boss O'Neill Determined to Keep Key Players Amid Transfer Interest
m. on Wednesday.
Staff confronted him for using an electronic cigarette near the pumps, citing fire risks.
Footage obtained by The Sun shows workers warning Richie about the danger, but he responded with a dismissive remark.
A source said the staff did not recognize him at first and only realized who he was after police arrived.
During the exchange, a worker told Richie they were recording the incident for the police, and Richie began filming back.
He denied the device was a vape, but the staff insisted it was a safety hazard.
Richie then approached two female employees and asked them to make the male worker stop recording.
>>> Former Heat Guard Josh Richardson Announces NBA Retirement at Age 32
One of them identified herself as the manager and called emergency services.
Officers arrived shortly before 11:20 p. m.
and questioned Richie about his driving and alcohol consumption.
He was subsequently arrested and later charged with drink-driving.
Essex Police confirmed the arrest and charge in a statement, noting that Richie, of Surrey, is due in court on September 9.
While vaping on petrol station forecourts is not explicitly illegal, fuel companies prohibit it due to the risk of sparks igniting fuel vapors.
A drink-driving conviction in the UK can lead to up to six months in prison, a driving ban of at least 12 months, and fines.
>>> AUKUS Navies Complete Six-Week Autonomous Underwater Exercise
Richie is scheduled to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 9, 2026.
