Rip Torn Enters Plea In Drunken Driving Case

LITCHFIELD, Conn. -- Actor Rip Torn has pleaded not guilty to drunken driving charges in Connecticut, nearly two years after being fined and losing his license for similar charges in New York.

The 77-year-old Salisbury resident appeared in Bantam Superior Court on Monday. He pleaded not guilty to illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence and failure to drive in the proper lane.

State police said Torn was driving his 1994 Subaru with a Christmas tree tied to the top in the breakdown lane of Route 44 on Dec. 14 when he was stopped by a trooper. Police said he failed part of a field sobriety exam and refused to take a Breathalyzer test.

His lawyer, A. Thomas Waterfall, said that he will be meeting with Torn to discuss his defense options. Torn is set to return to court Jan. 28.


Source: wfsb.com