BALTIMORE -- Maryland Transportation Authority police said Baltimore Orioles pitcher Sidney Ponson was arrested early Thursday morning on alleged drunken driving charges. 

Police said Ponson was pulled over around 1:30 a.m. while coming onto I-395 from I-95 when an officer noticed Ponson was following another car too closely.

They said the pitcher was cooperative during the stop.  Police said Ponson was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, driving while impaired and following too closely.

He was held at the Fort McHenry Transportation Authority facility and released at 5:30 a.m. 

The Orioles pitcher faced legal troubles earlier this year when he was charged with striking a judge in his homeland of Aruba around Christmas. He apologized for his behavior and reached a settlement that involves community service and a charitable contribution.