Jack Nicholson Accused of Breaking Man’s Windshield

A Los Angeles man is suing actor Jack Nicholson for allegedly smashing the windshield of his Mercedes Benz during a traffic dispute at a Studio City intersection, according to court records.

Robert Scott Blank filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the movie star this month alleging assault and battery, infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment.

Los Angeles Police Department Detective Robert Searle said the department is also investigating the Feb. 8 incident and the city attorney’s office may determine this week to file a misdemeanor vandalism charge against the actor. The maximum sentence is six months in jail and or a $1,000 fine.

Calls to Nicholson’s agent, Sandy Bresler, were not returned.

Searle said what began as an argument apparently escalated into a confrontation at an intersection between Moorpark Street and Riverside Drive in Studio City.

According to a crime report filed with the LAPD, Nicholson got out of his car at a red light and ran over to Blank’s Mercedes with a metal pipe, possibly a golf club, Searle said.

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The actor struck Blank’s car several times, shattering his windshield and “causing it to spray glass all over the interior of the car,” causing Blank to “fear for his life,” according to the lawsuit. The confrontation ended when Nicholson got back inside his own Mercedes and drove away with an unidentified male passenger, Searle said.

Blank and a witness, however, recognized Nicholson and jotted down the license plate number to his car. Searle said the plate number matched the number of the actor’s Mercedes.

As a result of the incident, Blank had physical injuries and nervous pain and suffering, according to the lawsuit. He is seeking an unspecified amount of general and punitive damages, according to the suit.

Charles E. Ruben, an attorney representing Blank, declined to elaborate on the details leading up to the confrontation and declined to describe Blank’s specific injuries.

Nicholson’s film credits include “A Few Good Men,” “Hoffa,” “Terms of Endearment” and “The Shining.”