Dennis Rodman Charged In Wrong-Way Crash On Freeway In Santa Ana
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Dennis Rodman was charged Monday with several misdemeanors for allegedly causing a wrong-way crash on the 5 Freeway in Santa Ana and fleeing the scene of a wrong-way freeway crash in Santa Ana four months ago.
The former NBA star could face up to two years in jail if convicted of four charges - one count each of hit-and-run with property damage, driving a motor vehicle across a dividing section, giving false information to a police officer and driving a motor vehicle without a valid license, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
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Witnesses said it started after a night out at Velvet Lounge in downtown Santa Ana.
At 12:30 a.m. on July 20, prosecutors said Rodman was driving north in the southbound carpool lane on the 5 Freeway and caused another car to crash into the concrete barrier.
According to the Orange County District Attorney's office, the female driver suffered minor injuries, called 911 and reported the crash.
Rodman got back into his white Land Rover and drove off without exchanging information. When questioned by police later, Rodman gave them false information and had been driving without a valid license, prosecutors alleged.
The 55-year-old basketball Hall of Famer, who sometimes lives in Newport Beach, is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 20.
The female driver's attorney told CBS2's Stacey Butler that Rodman settled with her out of court. One of the conditions was that she cannot share her story with the media.
The attorney for the former Laker, Pistons, Spurs and Bulls great blamed the crash on "poor signage."
"When all of the facts are considered, this misdemeanor traffic matter will end successfully," said attorney Paul Meyer. "This incident occurred on an exit ramp, which was poorly signed. Mr. Rodman turned and corrected the driving error, stopped and spoke with the people in the other car. Their cars never touched. We look forward to a discussion of all of the facts."
