Former Minnesota Viking player and NFL Hall of Fame inductee Carl Eller was arrested in Minneapolis early this morning for suspected DUI, fleeing police and assault of a police officer.

Police Inspector Mike Martin said officers in north Minneapolis saw an SUV speeding through a stop sign and gave chase. The SUV reached speeds of up to 60 mph through city streets. The SUV didn’t stop until it pulled into Eller’s garage about 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Eller initially refused to get out of the vehicle at first, but when he got out he threatened and fought with officers. They used a Taser, but Martin said it had no effect. Officers called for backup to help control the 66 year old who refused to take a breath or blood test. He was taken to Hennepin County Jail and booked.

Eller was a member of the famed “Purple People Eaters” in his 15 years as a defensive end with Minnesota from 1964-78. He played in six Pro Bowls and all four of the Vikings’ trips to the Super Bowl. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Eller had a previous DUI conviction in February 2006.

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