‘Airwolf’s’ Vincent Gets 30 Days in Jail for Drinking and Driving

Actor Jan-Michael Vincent was sentenced Friday to 30 days in jail for violating probation by driving a car less than six hours after consuming alcohol.

Los Angeles County Deputy Dist. Atty. Burton J. Schneirow said Vincent, the 41-year-old star of the CBS television series “Airwolf,” was arrested May 15 on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol by Ventura County sheriff’s deputies, who stopped his car in the Simi-Moorpark area because it did not have a front license plate.

He failed a field sobriety test, Schneirow said, and, three hours after the incident, had a blood alcohol level of .08%.

Malibu Municipal Court Commissioner Richard L. Brand ruled that the incident violated the actor’s probation in his December, 1983, conviction on two counts of drunk driving, Schneirow said.

Brand agreed to delay incarceration until June 25 so Vincent can select the Los Angeles jail in which he will serve his time.

Schneirow said persons convicted of nonviolent crimes are often allowed the opportunity to choose where they serve their time because many facilities are severely crowded and filled with violent offenders.

“We’re not doing this because he’s Jan-Michael Vincent the actor,” Schneirow said.

Vincent faces trial next Friday in Santa Monica Superior Court on one count of felony battery for allegedly punching his longtime friend Chenoa Lee Ellis, 34, in the face at his Malibu home on Sept. 6.

He remains free on $1,500 bail and also faces a hearing on two other counts of violating probation.