Local News in Brief : Man Pleads Innocent in Bush Rally Incident

A man arrested after dropping a starter’s pistol at a Woodland Hills rally for President-elect George Bush pleaded not guilty Monday to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

John Arthur Junot, 40, of Echo Park entered his plea at a brief hearing before U.S. Magistrate Volney V. Brown Jr. He was ordered to stand trial in U.S. District Court Jan. 17.

Junot was arrested Nov. 6 at Warner Rich Park after a starter’s pistol fell out of his waistband during a speech by Bush, authorities said. A starter’s pistol, commonly used at sporting events, fires blanks.

Junot was captured by Los Angeles police a short distance from where he dropped the pistol. No gunshots were fired during the incident.

Junot, who was taken into federal custody, told Secret Service agents that he had planned for several weeks to bring the pistol to the appearance. But authorities said they were uncertain what Junot might have done had he not accidentally dropped the pistol.

Junot is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail at Terminal Island federal prison in San Pedro. If convicted, he faces up to 6 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.