Man Denies Drunkenly Crashing into JLo in Malibu

A 53-year-old Las Vegas man who was allegedly drunk when he crashed a pickup truck into singer-actress Jennifer Lopez’s Rolls-Royce in Malibu pleaded not guilty today to misdemeanor charges.

Robert John Reitz faces one count each of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and driving with a .08 percent blood-alcohol.

The collision occurred on Pacific Coast Highway just before 8 p.m. on Sept. 27. Prosecutors allege the defendant’s blood-alcohol level was more than .15 percent at the time -- about twice the legal limit.

Actress Leah Remini was driving the Rolls-Royce, which was stopped at a traffic light near Nobu restaurant when it was rear-ended, according to a post on Lopez’s Instagram account at the time. Lopez’s two children were also in the Rolls, but no one was hurt, the singer said.

“Sitting at a light, Riding high right before some drunk fool rear ended us in my new whip!!!” Lopez posted. “Thank god everyone ok!!!”

Reitz, charged on Dec. 2, faces a possible maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted. He is due back in court Jan. 28 for a pretrial hearing.

• City News Service
• Photo Credit: Nicole Pajer