Actor Conrad Ordered To Stand Trial For Felony DUI
Former TV Star Involved In March Collision
POSTED: 1:05 p.m. EST November 19, 2003
A California judge is getting tough with former television tough-guy Robert Conrad.
The judge is ordering the actor to stand trial on two felony counts of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police said Conrad crashed head-on into another vehicle in March near his rural Calaveras County home, injuring the other driver, and allege that his blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.
Conrad has pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to court records, he is 73, but his wife, Lavelda Conrad, says he's 68.
The driver of the other vehicle, 26-year-old Kevin Burnett, suffered a broken wrist and leg, according to family members.
Burnett is suing Conrad's Black Sheep Production company for damages and compensation lost earnings and medical expenses. The lawsuit also claims Burnett will suffer permanent disabilities, according to The Associated Press.
The judge says there's enough evidence to try the actor, who will be arraigned next month.
The actor is best known for his role as a gunslinger James T. West on the 1960s television series "The Wild Wild West," and for playing Maj. Greg "Pappy" Boyington in the hit 1970s television series "Baa Baa Black Sheep" (aka "The Black Sheep Squadron").
Conrad said he was hospitalized for four months after the crash and had to have surgery to repair nerve damage in his neck and arm.
He walked into court yesterday with his arm in a sling and joked with reporters.
At one point he asked, "Did the judge make coffee for us?"
The judge is ordering the actor to stand trial on two felony counts of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police said Conrad crashed head-on into another vehicle in March near his rural Calaveras County home, injuring the other driver, and allege that his blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.
Conrad has pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to court records, he is 73, but his wife, Lavelda Conrad, says he's 68.
The driver of the other vehicle, 26-year-old Kevin Burnett, suffered a broken wrist and leg, according to family members.
Burnett is suing Conrad's Black Sheep Production company for damages and compensation lost earnings and medical expenses. The lawsuit also claims Burnett will suffer permanent disabilities, according to The Associated Press.
The judge says there's enough evidence to try the actor, who will be arraigned next month.
The actor is best known for his role as a gunslinger James T. West on the 1960s television series "The Wild Wild West," and for playing Maj. Greg "Pappy" Boyington in the hit 1970s television series "Baa Baa Black Sheep" (aka "The Black Sheep Squadron").
Conrad said he was hospitalized for four months after the crash and had to have surgery to repair nerve damage in his neck and arm.
He walked into court yesterday with his arm in a sling and joked with reporters.
At one point he asked, "Did the judge make coffee for us?"Copyright 2003 by clickorlando.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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