Microsoft founder Bill Gates was apparently arrested by the police in 1977. Photos of his arrest have gone viral on social media. What was the reason that the billionaire was caught?
The reason is simple. In the 1970s, Bill Gates was living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. One night, December 13, 1977, Albuquerque police arrested Bill Gates and took him to prison. Uniquely, during the photo session, Gates showed a big smile and made netizens excited.
Snopes said the philanthropist was arrested by police for driving without a license and not stopping when signs required him to stop. He was arrested around the age of 21-22 years. In an interview with Time Magazine 2007, Melinda French's ex-husband confirmed that the viral photo was indeed him.
"I was driving Paul's (Allen) car. They (the police) asked me to pull over and I didn't have a driver's license, then they put me with drunks all night. That's why all my life I tried to have a lot of cash. I like the idea of being able to save myself ' he said with a smile.
Bill Gates reportedly first saw the photo when an Albuquerque city representative asked him if they could release it to Brill's Content. He also showed it when giving a speech in May 1998.
Because Bill Gates and a number of parties have confirmed the news, it can be said that the viral photo is true. Yes, Bill Gates was arrested by the police in 1977 on the grounds that he did not have a driver's license and did not stop even though there were signs.