Jail, Rehab Ordered for Rodney King

Rodney King, whose videotaped beating by police led to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, pleaded guilty Wednesday to driving under the influence and reckless driving in San Bernardino.

A San Bernardino Superior Court judge sentenced King to 120 days in jail, a $1,454 fine, three years’ probation and drug and alcohol treatment.

King was charged in May after a Rialto police officer witnessed him driving about 100 mph and weaving through traffic on April 13. Before the officer began pursuit, King crashed through a fence and a tree, striking a San Bernardino home.

Blood tests revealed PCP in his system. He will undergo a three-month alcohol awareness program and a six-month drug rehabilitation program before jail.

“Doing a crime of this sort requires him to do time,” San Bernardino County Deputy Dist. Atty. Jim McGee said. “Thankfully, no one but himself was injured.”

King, who lives in Rialto, suffered a broken pelvis, body trauma and cuts and scratches.

King has had numerous encounters with the law. In 2001, he was sentenced to drug treatment for indecent exposure and being under the influence of PCP.