TV movie critic Gene Shalit fell asleep at the wheel, police say

Television movie critic Gene Shalit faces a charge of driving to endanger after his vehicle struck a utility pole and came to rest against a home in western Massachusetts.

Lenox Police Chief Stephen O'Brien, who was first on the scene of Wednesday afternoon's crash, tells The Berkshire Eagle the 86-year-old Shalit told him he fell asleep at the wheel.

Shalit has received a summons to appear before a clerk magistrate at a hearing to be scheduled at Southern Berkshire District Court in Great Barrington.

Shalit, known for his bushy hair and mustache - and colorful bowties, was unhurt. His vehicle was towed from the scene and the home suffered some minor damage.

Shalit reviewed movies for NBC's "Today" show from 1973 until he retired in 2010. He lives in Stockbridge.