ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, October 4, 1996 TAG: 9610040046
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DIANE STRUZZI
THE STUNT RIDER is facing legal action after his arrest Wednesday in Roanoke.
Robbie Knievel's motorcycles, ramps and other equipment were seized Thursday by Rockbridge County Sheriff's deputies after Knievel's promoter sued the stunt driver for $40,000.
George Davis of Ant-i-que Inc. in Rockbridge County filed the legal papers Thursday in Circuit Court, according to Rockbridge County Sheriff R.W. Day. Davis is asking for $15,000 that he put down to hire Knievel's act, another $10,000 for expenses incurred during promotions and $15,000 in punitive damages. The equipment will be held until a judge determines whether Davis is entitled to collect payment, Day said.
Knievel, who was storing his equipment at a rental facility near Davis' company, was charged in Roanoke early Wednesday with being drunk in public. About 2 a.m., police found him in a Northwest Roanoke neighborhood, knocking on doors and looking for a man he said drove him to the area. Knievel said he was lost but not intoxicated.
He was scheduled to jump 25 cars in Salem on Saturday. After his arrest, Knievel's sponsors and promoter canceled the event.
Davis and Knievel did not return telephone calls Thursday. Knievel's manager, Ward Plauche, said Knievel still wants to jump and likely would do it for free. Plauche said that when he spoke with Davis early Thursday, the promoter said he would not back Knievel's performance.
"[Davis] said he thought he'd lose money because the ticket sales are short," Plauche said.
LENGTH: Short : 38 linesby CNB