The Region - News from Jan. 30, 1986

One-time rock ‘n’ roll idol Richard (Little Richard) Penniman has been charged with three misdemeanor counts in connection with a West Hollywood traffic accident last October in which he suffered a broken leg and lacerations. Penniman, 53, was charged with reckless driving, driving with a suspended driver’s license and driving without a valid license in his possession. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail. Authorities said Penniman was driving alone in a sports car on Santa Monica Boulevard at a rate of more than 50 m.p.h. in a 30-m.p.h. zone when he swerved to pass a truck. He hit the curb, smashing into a telephone pole.