Man Pleads Not Guilty to Driving Car Up on Getty Marble Stairwell
A motorist who allegedly drove his car up an Italian marble stairwell at the Getty Museum, causing an estimated $15,000 in damage, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a charge of felony vandalism, officials said.
Donald Norman Romps, 49, of Van Nuys entered his plea at West Los Angeles Municipal Court, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Robert E. Savitt. Romps, who has been in custody since his arrest Monday at the hilltop museum in Brentwood, could be sentenced to prison for up to three years if he is convicted.
The museum was closed when Romps allegedly drove a 1986 Toyota through a security gate and pedestrian plaza and then up the stairwell, Savitt said.
Romps was treated for head injuries at UCLA Medical Center.
Museum officials would not comment on the incident Wednesday.
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