Rapper DMX arrested for racing car on Ariz highway

PHOENIX (Reuters) - Rapper-turned-actor DMX was arrested at his Arizona home after being caught on camera racing down a Phoenix-area freeway at upwards of 114 miles per hour (183 kph) in January, Arizona state police said on Wednesday.

Police said that DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was taken into custody without incident Tuesday afternoon at his Cave Creek, Arizona, residence. He was booked into jail and released on Wednesday on bond.

Simmons, 37, is accused in the January 21 incident of racing on a highway, reckless driving, two counts of endangerment, three counts of speeding and driving on a suspended license.

"Criminal speeding endangers the lives of everyone on the road," said Roger Vanderpool, state Department of Public Safety director, in a prepared statement. "Mr. Simmons wasn't signalled out because of his notoriety."

Police said speed cameras caught the performer in his 1966 Chevrolet Nova II travelling at various speeds over 100 mph (161 kph). The speed limit in the area is 65 mph (105 kph).

A department spokesman said authorities investigated the photos, confirmed it was Simmons driving and waited for him to return to his Arizona home before making the arrest.

This is not the first time Simmons has been in trouble with Arizona authorities. Last August, Maricopa County sheriff's deputies removed distressed pit bull dogs and weapons in a raid of Simmons' home. That case remains under investigation.

(Reporting by David Schwarz, editing by Bob Tourtellotte and Todd Eastham)