Transient Accused In Assault On 'NCIS' Actress Ordered To Stand Trial
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 45-year-old transient was ordered to stand trial Wednesday on charges for allegedly assaulting "NCIS" actress Pauley Perrette near her Hollywood home.
David Merck, who has been charged with false imprisonment and making a criminal threat, is scheduled to be back in court for arraignment on Dec. 16.
Perrette testified during Merck's preliminary hearing in downtown Los Angeles, occasionally wiping tears from her eyes as she identified him as her assailant, according to reports.
Merck was arrested Nov. 12 about an hour after the alleged attack as the actress was walking to a guest house to meet her architect.
Prosecutors say Merck grabbed Perrette, punched her and threatened to kill her before running off.
If convicted as charged, Merck faces up to four years in state prison.
(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)