Paul Rodriguez, 70, was arrested during a traffic stop in Burbank for alleged drug possession, though he insists the narcotics weren’t his.

According to TMZ, Rodriguez was a passenger, asleep when officers pulled over the vehicle. He claims a Caucasian officer slapped him awake, which he believes was racially motivated. The drugs allegedly belonged to the driver, who admitted ownership, yet Rodriguez was still arrested.

Authorities stated he was cited and released for misdemeanor possession, with the case under review. No comment was made on his claims of rough treatment.

Rodriguez recently suffered the loss of his friend Donald Serrato, who died at his home, and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2021. With a career spanning 40+ years, he remains a legendary figure in comedy.