Rip Torn cleared of DUI charge in Connecticut

AP on Yahoo ^ | 5/24/10 | AP

[NormsRevenge]

LITCHFIELD, Conn. – A Connecticut judge has dismissed a drunken-driving charge against Rip Torn after the actor completed a court-ordered alcohol education program.

Torn was arrested in December 2008 near his home in Salisbury. He was stopped while driving in the breakdown lane with a Christmas tree tied atop his Subaru.

Bantam Superior Court Judge Cara Eschuck dismissed the charge Friday because Torn completed a program that gives drunken-driving defendants a chance to clear their records.

[NormsRevenge]

He still faces charges next week for breaking into a bank with a gun in his possession and drunker than a skunk..

[Wolfie]

He’ll kill somebody someday, and then everybody will wonder why he wasn’t locked up.

[Deb]

In fairness to Rip, the bank did look like his house. He really has to stop drinking or he’s a dead man. Pity.

[Liberty Valance]

I agree. You’d think he could at least afford a driver. Gotta be cheaper than the fines, lawyers fees and rehab prices he’s racking up. I do hope the rehab works.

[Ranger Drew]

I know Rip very well. His son Steve and I were roommates out in North Hollywood in the late 80’s. He’s a very good, friendly, and giving man. Needless to say, he does have a severe problem. I hope that in the future he doesn’t harm anyone or himself. ...That would be a damn shame and a waste of a good talent.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

"There's always some kind of blacklist throughout history. But the difference is, in America they usually let you live."

~ Rip Torn

[kbennkc]

He didn't look very drunk to me . Two weeks dead , but not drunk .

[Deb]

Is Steve one of the twins? Didn’t one of them die or get into trouble not too long ago? I know Rip is a great guy. I’ve never heard a word against him except for the drinking.

[Deb]

That’s just mean. And funny.

[paddles]

Actually, they cleared him of the charges ‘cause they need a replacement for Blumenthal.

[NormsRevenge]

I knew the ‘Blumenthal’ effect would pop up .. ;-)

[OB1kNOb]

So Rip Torn was found innocent of being ripped?

[sam_paine]

Oh. Wrong Rip.

[backwoods-engineer]

He is, apparently, “not running an intergalactic keggar down here.” (from “Men in Black”)

[freekitty]

Oh to be a protected celebrity. LOL

[backwoods-engineer]

oops, I meant "hosting an intergalactic keggar"...

http://www.mefeedia.com/watch/25780257

[Palladin]

WOW! The ravages of time and drink.

Always liked him as an actor, though.

[DoughtyOne]

Most guys I know who had problems in this area, did so in late high school or their college years.

It’s truly sad to see an adult Rip’s age still going through late onset adolescence.

[trisham]

Poor man. He doesn’t look well.

[Erasmus]

That Rip once asked the rhetorical question,

"What do you get when you cross an Elephant with a Rhino?"

(pause...)

"Elifino!"