
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 12, 1995                   TAG: 9505120042
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR.
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

CHARGES AGAINST EXPRESS' LAXDAL DROPPED

Disorderly conduct charges were dismissed on Wednesday against Roanoke Express player Derek Laxdal, who had been accused of squirting water on a Richmond police officer during a hockey game on April 2.

Laxdal still is considering legal action against the officer, who sprayed a cloud of Mace on Laxdal as he sat in the penalty box during Game 2 of an East Coast Hockey League playoff series against the Richmond Renegades.

``He's exploring what his options are,'' said Tony Anderson, Laxdal's Roanoke-based attorney. ``He's not sure whether or not he's going to proceed with any action against the principals involved. I expect he'll decide within the next month.''

Laxdal did not have to appear in Richmond General District Court when the charges were dismissed.

The incident involving the officer began after Laxdal squirted water on a group of Renegades fans sitting behind the penalty box in the Richmond Coliseum. Some of the water hit the officer, who then had words with Laxdal and sprayed Mace into the penalty area as Laxdal sat with his back to the crowd.

The Express lost the series 3-1 to the Renegades, who went on to win the ECHL Riley Cup championship. Laxdal, who suffers from allergies and asthmatic difficulties, said he experienced nose and throat problems the remainder of the series following the macing.

by CNB