Pageant officials aware of Miss U of A Sarah Gafvert arrest prior to crown

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KTHV) - Our affiliate KFSM reported Thursday that the newly crowned Miss University of Arkansas was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in September.

KFSM reports that 21-year-old Sarah Gafvert was named 2012 Miss U of A on Sunday, but records show she was arrested Sept. 26 in connection with driving while intoxicated.

According to the Miss Arkansas Organization, Gafvert alerted pageant officials of her arrest prior to receiving crown.  They say she explained her intent to challenge the arrest in court.

Below is a statement from the Miss Arkansas Organization:

Sarah Gafvert made the Miss University of Arkansas pageant officials aware of her arrest and intent to retain counsel and challenge the arrest in court. This matter is currently a pending legal issue that has not been resolved. The Miss University of Arkansas Registered Student Organization is governed by the policies and rules of the Miss Arkansas and Miss America Organizations. We have validated that according to the Miss America Organization Sarah Gafvert was deemed eligible to compete in the 2013 Miss University of Arkansas pageant.