Musician Geezer Butler arrested in Death Valley altercation

INDEPENDENCE, Calif. (AP) - Bassist Geezer Butler, a founding member of Black Sabbath, has been cited and released after an altercation at a saloon in Death Valley National Park.

The Inyo County, California, sheriff's office says 65-year-old Terence Michael Butler of Beverly Hills was arrested after midnight on Jan. 27 at the Corkscrew Saloon at the Furnace Creek Ranch property in the national park.

Wtnesses told deputies an argument escalated into a physical confrontation, resulting in someone being struck and a broken window.

The musician was arrested and booked into the Inyo County Jail for investigation of misdemeanor assault, public intoxication and vandalism.

Butler tweeted Thursday that he was thankful for "messages & support following the unfortunate altercation that occurred."

An email seeking comment from Black Sabbath's agent was not immediately returned.