Sam Donaldson -- ARRESTED for DUI

Sam Donaldson -- the veteran ABC newsman and political correspondent -- was arrested for DUI in Delaware earlier this month.

According to law enforcement, 78-year-old Donaldson was pulled over just before 8pm on December 1 after he had driven onto the shoulder of the road.

During the stop, the officer detected the presence of alcohol and decided to perform a field sobriety test on Sam ... which he bombed.

Donaldson was eventually arrested for DUI and was taken to a nearby station where he was booked and released.

Cops say the newsman was "released to an adult pending his appearance in court."