Celebrity Justice
Cops: Sambora Ain't No Child Endangerer

Law enforcement sources tell us there's a dogfight inside the Laguna Beach PD, where the brass has recommended that prosecutors file child endangerment charges against Sambora for his DUI bust March 26. We're told "a significant number of officers" inside the department feel there's no evidence of child endangerment. There was no smell of alcohol on his breath, and no evidence of dangerous or erratic driving.

Sambora's 10-year-old daughter Ava, along with Ava's 17-year-old cousin and Richie's GF, were also in the car when he was popped. Looks like Richie's blood alcohol level was over the legal limit. But that's not the end of the story.

In order to file child endangerment charges, prosecutors look to the actual behavior of the suspect. In this case, we're told Sambora exhibited no "dangerous conduct." The reason he was stopped in the first place was because his big-ass Hummer had crossed the line in which it was supposed to be traveling. We're told crossing the line was a function of how large the vehicle was, not evidence that Sambora was impaired.

Richie boy was cooperative and responsive at the scene, and many of the cops believe there was "no aggravated conduct to support child endangerment." Why would prosecutors risk losing a high-profile case on a charge where they just don't have the goods? That's what we're thinkin.'

Reader Comments

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46. he should have go to parenting classes, anybody else would have to

Posted at 10:07PM on Apr 14th 2008 by lala

47. The officer who arrested him had to have sufficient evidence to establish that more likely than not, he had been driving under the influence of intoxicants. That means that he had to have seen signs of impairment. Drinking + impairment + your child in the car is more than enough to start an investigation for child endangerment. The guy tested over the legal limit. At the very least, they should report it to child protective services.

Posted at 10:31PM on Apr 14th 2008 by metark

48. What a bunch of freakin losers !!!

Posted at 10:22PM on Apr 14th 2008 by D

49. As a Patrol officer, I can tell you that crossing the line is only one indicator that someone might be intoxicated. However, I wasn't there and I don't know for how long the Hummer was over the line, traffic conditions, lighting on the street and so on. It doesn't indicate if it was a white line or the yellow line. If it were the white line and traffic conditons were light, I would have summed it up to being a big vehicle in a small lane. Or if people were parked along side the street. Who knows. Only the initiating officer. I am sorry he had the kids in the vehicle at the time but the important part is that everyone in the vehicle as well as innocent people are okay. He will get through this. My thoughts and prayers are with him and the family.

Posted at 6:56AM on Apr 15th 2008 by Bart

50. It's a good thing it was his big-ass Hummer that crossed the line in which it was supposed to be traveling.
Arrest that Hummer!
And his blood alcohol level was over the legal limit.
No "dangerous conduct." there.

Posted at 11:36PM on Apr 14th 2008 by wkc

51. O.k so who is his new gf does any one know.

Posted at 12:00AM on Apr 15th 2008 by Mishka

52. The fact that he was above the legal limit and was driving with a child in the car is enough for charges of child endangerment.
Or it is OK to drive drunk as long as you're nice and cooperative at the scene? Of course not.

Posted at 12:20AM on Apr 15th 2008 by Dr Doug

53. HEY TMZ, IF THIS WERE BRITNEY YOU A#%HOLES WOULD BE ALL OVER THIS!!!! TIME TO BE COOL BECAUSE IT'S A ROCK STAR? IN FACT HALF OF THE POSTERS ARE HYPOCRITS !

Posted at 12:10AM on Apr 15th 2008 by LINDA

54. Robert, I watched it!! Thank you and I know your heart is in the right place! Your "rockclimber" you-tube was insane and very "awakening!

:) BEST WISHES!!!!!

I am going to bed and smiling bud!!!!

Posted at 12:20AM on Apr 15th 2008 by Kelli

55. WHat do you you expect. Sambora is a PINEY.

Posted at 12:26AM on Apr 15th 2008 by bluhber

56. I'm sorry, but if he was over the legal limit and had minors in the car - that's endangering minors. I love Richie, but he broke the law, whether or not he had liquor on his breath or was driving "erratically". He broke the law, plain and simple - if Billy Bob Hillbilly had done the same thing, he'd be locked up. Enough with giving celebrities a separate set of laws.

Posted at 12:32AM on Apr 15th 2008 by Miss Behave

57. GOODNIGHT.............................................................................................................................................................................

Posted at 12:37AM on Apr 15th 2008 by Robert

58. :p Night Rob!


CYA soon!



Sleep well!





Oh yeah, Hideous, I will not "flirt" or talk "dirty" so please quit implying i will!





Night piglet!

Posted at 12:40AM on Apr 15th 2008 by Kelli

59. I like how it was the end of the world when Britney drove with her baby on her lap, but this sleaze drives DRUNK with his kid and hardly anyone notices...

Posted at 12:45AM on Apr 15th 2008 by wait what

60. I agree.......!!!!!!!!!!!!!..

Posted at 12:48AM on Apr 15th 2008 by things that make u go hmmm?

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