Collins Won't Face Charges in Death

By KEITH ST. CLAIR
The Associated Press
Monday, December 10, 2007; 6:43 PM

LOS ANGELES -- Gary Collins will not face additional charges as a result of the death of a driver involved in a crash that's already led to jail time for the TV personality. Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the city attorney's office, said Monday's decision was made because police determined Warren Gates, the other driver, caused the crash by failing to stop at a red light.

Gates, 89, died Friday at the hospital, according to the coroner's office.


In this photo released by TMZ, television personality and actor Gary Collins is arrested on suspicion of drunk driving following a collision on Oct. 24, 2007, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/TMZ)
In this photo released by TMZ, television personality and actor Gary Collins is arrested on suspicion of drunk driving following a collision on Oct. 24, 2007, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/TMZ) (AP)
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Chief coroner's investigator Craig Harvey said the cause of Gates' death was listed as an Oct. 23 auto accident and that an autopsy would be performed.

Collins was driving in the San Fernando Valley when his 2004 Ford Explorer was struck by a vehicle driven by Gates. Collins was not injured.

Collins, 69, was not found at fault in the collision, but officers said they smelled alcohol on his breath.

The TV host and actor pleaded no contest Thursday to one count each of driving under the influence and driving with a blood-alcohol content above .08, the legal limit.

He was sentenced to four days in jail and four years' probation. He was also ordered to pay a $500 fine, perform 100 hours of community service, enroll in an 18-month alcohol education program and attend 26 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

During the 1980s, Collins hosted the Miss America pageant as well as the talk show "Hour Magazine."


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