MURRIETA: Comedian Andy Dick arrested in Murrieta

Witnesses tell police he groped and exposed the breast of Murrieta teen

By JOHN HALL - Staff Writer | Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:24 PM PDT

Booking photo of comedian Andy Dick. (Courtesy Photo)

MURRIETA ---- Comedian Andy Dick was "extremely intoxicated and belligerent," Murrieta police say, when officers arrested him on suspicion of sexual battery and drug possession early Wednesday morning.

Dick, 42, of Woodland Hills, was in the front passenger seat of a Honda pickup that officers pulled over near Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant and bar on Murrieta Hot Springs Road, said police Lt. Dennis Vrooman.

Police were called to the business at 1:13 a.m. regarding an intoxicated man urinating in the parking lot, Vrooman said.

When officers got there, witnesses told them Dick had walked up to a 17-year-old girl outside the business, groped her and pulled down her tank top and bra, exposing her breasts, Vrooman said.

Earlier, the girl and at least one friend had been inside the restaurant and had spoken with Dick and "his entourage of about five other friends," Vrooman said.

The lieutenant said officers described Dick's demeanor as "extremely intoxicated and belligerent."

During a curbside lineup, the Murrieta teen and at least one other witness identified Dick as the alleged assailant, Vrooman said.

While searching the comedian, officers found a small amount of marijuana and Xanax, for which Dick did not have a prescription, police said.

Dick was arrested and booked at Southwest Detention Center in French Valley on suspicion of misdemeanor sexual battery, possession of a controlled substance ---- which is a felony ---- and possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, jail records show. He posted $5,000 bail and was released from custody later Wednesday morning.

A manager at Buffalo Wild Wings confirmed Wednesday that Dick had been in the business.

"He was here about three hours," she said, declining to give her name. She added that she was not aware of him posing any problem inside the restaurant.

"It seemed like everyone was having a good time," she said.

Police say they first encountered Dick a few hours earlier at another Murrieta bar, the Corner Pocket on California Oaks Road.

Just before 9 p.m. Tuesday, police received a call about a fight at that business, Vrooman said.

While investigating the reported fight, officers found Dick on the patio "moderately intoxicated," Vrooman said. They were not able to determine if he was involved in that altercation.

In lieu of being arrested for public intoxication, Dick agreed to leave the business with his friends, the lieutenant said.

Vrooman said Dick told officers he was in Murrieta for the recent funeral of friend's father.

There was no mention midday Wednesday of what happened in Murrieta on Dick's official Web site, and neither Dick nor his representatives could be reached for comment.

Dick, former co-star of the sitcom "NewsRadio," has a reputation for crude behavior. He has reportedly exposed himself to audiences at least twice. He was forcibly removed from the set of the show "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last year after he repeatedly touched guest Ivanka Trump without her permission.

Also last year, Dick was cited in Columbus, Ohio, for urinating on the sidewalk. A comedy club owner in the city said the actor also made inappropriate comments while on stage, groped patrons, took women into the men's room and urinated on the floor and on at least one person.

In 1999, Dick was arrested for possession of cocaine and marijuana after driving his car into a telephone pole in Hollywood. He pleaded guilty, but the charges were dismissed after he went into a diversion program.

According to the Internet Movie Database Web site, Dick has three children ranging in age from 11 to 20.

Along with "NewsRadio," his credits include the sitcom "Less Than Perfect" and movies such as "Employee of the Month," "Blonde Ambition" and "The Comebacks."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact staff writer John Hall at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2628, or jhall@californian.com.

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67 comment(s)[-]Go to Top

Whos wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:51 AM:laughing now, Dick?

Betty wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:55 AM:He's so classless. This doesn't surprise me at all.

Name Appropriate wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:05 AM:I never thought this guy was remotely funny. He is a total loser. Another one who should just go away. Regards, C-1.

Amazed wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:13 AM:Not quite sure why a 17 year old girl was at a bar with a 19 year old girl in the first place. Now don't get me wrong, Andy is out of line in his behavior, however I don't know why they were there. They should have been at home or anywhere but a bar at 1am on a Tuesday night. The only 17 and 19 year old girls I have ever seen at bars were lying about their age and getting in trouble. I guess trouble (Andy Dick) found them.

What wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:15 AM:Why was Andy Dick in Murietta? Does he have a gig at Pechanga? Or are the hot wings THAT good in the I.E.?

Michael wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:19 AM:Loves it

sd wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:29 AM:What is a 17 year old doing in a restaurant/bar at 1:30 in the morning? I think what Andy did was horrible and humiliating but let's look at the circumstances before the incident.

Andy has really stooped low wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:31 AM:I mean actually hanging out in Murietta, how tacky can he get!

Really Low wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:55 AM:Well if he played in Pechanga and that's "in" Temecula supposedly, he was went up a bunch of notches by visiting Murrieta.

esteban wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:59 AM:Nothing Andy Dick has done has ever been remotely funny.

Dude wrote on Jul 16, 2008 11:01 AM:Wouldn't it be nice if this ended his career? Then he could just fade away, like P-wee Herman (Paul Rubens)

I too am curious about a 17yo girl at a bar at 1am, whats up with that??

To Dude wrote on Jul 16, 2008 11:06 AM:Unlikely ... even Paul Rubens still gets work. He's actually even making a new Pee Wee's Playhouse movie.

heresince wrote on Jul 16, 2008 11:12 AM:Well, it doesn't say that they responded immediately after he attacked her... maybe the police took awhile? And it is a restaurant/sports bar... there lots of ages there all the time. It doesn't seem odd to me. But if he is going to do that... maybe he can appear on the catch a predator show. They would book him.

a reader wrote on Jul 16, 2008 11:19 AM:Buffalo Wild Wings is a restaurant, not a 'bar', if you visit the web site you'll see they have a kids menu. The article does not indicate the 17 yr old was there at 1:00 am but that the police pulled Dick over at 1:30am. The incident may well have taken place hours earlier and by the time the girl reported it and the police responded it was 1:30am.

You can always tell... wrote on Jul 16, 2008 11:26 AM:when a one time great rock band and a one time star comedian hit hard times...the rock band puts out a Christmas album, and the comedian hangs out in Murrieta.

not surprised wrote on Jul 16, 2008 11:33 AM:I'm not surprised at all MPD would arrest him to make the news again on zero tollerance around here the cops will get you for anything they can. The young lady had no business being there in the first place at 1am isn't there a curfew law in this city? Did she get a ticket?

Jeff wrote on Jul 16, 2008 11:43 AM:The article states that Andy Dick was arrested at 1:30 am, not that the crime occurred at that time. Once can assume that it took place at least a few hours before he was arrested. I still agree that a 17 year old girl has no business being at that establishment without a parent present.

GOLONG DOGG wrote on Jul 16, 2008 11:45 AM:To "What" and "...stooped low":
Lay off the stereotypes and your labeling of our Gem of the Valley. Is there really something wrong with hanging out in this city?

There's another problem... why can't anyone spell M-u-r-r-i-e-t-a corecttly?

JUSTIFY wrote on Jul 16, 2008 12:17 PM:Let me remind you,a girl at that age should not be out but it is Buffalo Wild Wings GRILL & bar. Not just a bar.

Luvitz wrote on Jul 16, 2008 12:27 PM:I was hearing on TV how John Luvitz beat the crap out of him at some bar a few years ago... I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that one! Dumb Dick!

This guy should wrote on Jul 16, 2008 12:30 PM:of been a school teacher, he would of fitted in perfectly.

esteban wrote on Jul 16, 2008 12:52 PM:Why is everyone making it a big deal that a 17 yo is out having dinner with a firend? Thats not asking for trouble. Where is the concern for Andy? He needs help not criticism. And he is a very good comedian.

Puch wrote on Jul 16, 2008 1:49 PM:Jeff,

Do not assume anything. Can we assume that the food is so good at Buffalo Wild Wings that Andy Dick drives from Hollywood to eat there? You know what happens when you assume! Jeff get back to work and stop reading stupid articles like this.

Bad Habit wrote on Jul 16, 2008 2:00 PM:The AP is reporting the MPD were called at 1:13A due to a man urinating in the parking lot and causing a disturbance. When MPD arrived a 17 year old girl advised them that she was outside when Mr. Dick approached her and pulled down her top. He was then stopped at 1:30A so based on this time line the incident probably happened near 1:00A. Does Murrieta have a curfew law for minors? what is the cut-off age?

Youre missing the point wrote on Jul 16, 2008 2:17 PM:Looks like a lot of you are saying it's the girl's fault for being out late. This guy lives up to his name. No man has a right to pull down a girl's top, no matter what hour it is.

Matt wrote on Jul 16, 2008 2:58 PM:I can't believe how many of you think it's odd for a 17 year old to be out at 1 a.m. It would be more suspicious if she weren't.

Mark wrote on Jul 16, 2008 4:05 PM:That restaurant has the worst service in the Temecula Valley and the food is subpar at best.

Mike wrote on Jul 16, 2008 4:30 PM:I am wondering why Dick was not charged with a felony reguading the fondling of the 17 yr old's breasts. I spent 21 years in law enforcement and this certainly qualifies. He should be charged with indescent exposure, since urinating in public also qualifies. I hope Rod Pacheco's office will not show him any mercy and make him the 290 registrant he deserves to be.

Huh wrote on Jul 16, 2008 6:48 PM:Mike, you're lying. If you spent 21 years in law enforcement (assuming in California) you would know this was a misdemeanor. If he held her down, restrained her in some way, or inserted something somewhere then it's a felony. Are you seriously saying pulling someone's top down or "pantsing" someone should be a felony?

And whats up with getting on the girl's issues and MPD? Is MPD not suppossed to enforce the law if a girl is breaking curfew ($55.00 infraction)? Come on people.

art in the dido wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:04 PM:SAD this guy can not get it together!

To all wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:20 PM:that cannot read. The girl had been in the "restaurant earlier". Andy Dick was in Murrieta for the funeral of a friend's father. That said, it sounds like the man is a pig and was rightly arrested. Enough already.

JOEY wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:22 PM:WHY IN THE WORLD IS HE HANGING OUT IN THIS AREA ANYWAYS? THIS HAPPENED LAST NIGHT! MY FRIEND AND WAS PLAYING POKER AT PECHANGA CASINO AND ANDY DICK COMES WALKING IN AND PLAYING POKER WITH SOME OF HIS FRIENDS. HE WAS DRINKING AND BEING LOUD AND OBNOXIOUS! THEN HE WAS KICKED OUT!! AND THIS WAS MONDAY NIGHT!

Urinal wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:30 PM:What is this guy's problem with toilets? It seems he never gets arrested unless he has also urinated outside of the establishment he's been drinking in all night! Elimination is an indoor activity for humans. Maybe that explains it!

Dad wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:41 PM:Per the Murrieta Muni Code 9.12.010 A juvenile can be out past 10pm if he or she is with an adult. I was at Buffalo Wild Wings last night. MPD acted appropriately. ... Can a victim get a cite for curfew? Yes. Luckily for all of us they practice the spirit of the law not the letter of the law in Murrieta...People are all screwed up in their thinking. Wake-Up!

Gem of the Valley wrote on Jul 17, 2008 7:28 AM:check out this video taken inside the restaurant before the incident. Seems like the classiest residents of Murietta were out on the town.

to gem of the valley wrote on Jul 17, 2008 8:51 AM:were do you find the video

To Golong Dogg wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:18 AM:"why can't anyone spell M-u-r-r-i-e-t-a corecttly (sic)?"

I guess they went to Murrieta public schools like you......

I will say one thing about the incident; Andy's behavior might be written off as typical “Hollywood” behavior if he were still in his 20’s. He’s 42-years old! Isn’t it time to grow up?

Just a thought wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:56 AM:Imagine how his kids are feeling about now with their father in the headlines. How embarassing for his family.

FROM GOLONG DOGG wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:35 AM:R U DENSE: "why can't anyone spell M-u-r-r-i-e-t-a corecttly (sic)?" was a joke... get it? Notice: I spelled it wrong on porpose.

As for your ridiculous comment,"I guess they went to Murrieta public schools like you......" shows how ignorant you are. Check our AYP and API rankings. Actually, we have the best damn schools in the COUNTY. So can it.

Always proud to hang out with the stars in M-U-R-R-I-E-T-A!!!

Now,stop looking for a job and go back to bed.

GD

Dad wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:58 AM:Yes: He lives up to his last name. Period. Has before, and will again. That is the simple element. Dad want to know why the parents of said 17 year old was out in ... Bar and Grill at that hour. Seems it turns into a Bar later and that is not the place for a young girl in a "Tube Top..." Lets be honest for a moment. If your 'daughter' was out at 1 am or past, would you be a good parent by sending here there in a tube top. There is ONE purpose for that kind of attire; to show off something. Done. He will always be Dick. Parents take notice.

Crazy Skip wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:04 AM:Skip you are a hypocrite.Someone always has to drag the undocumented immigrants into these stories. It's always the schizophrenics/xenophobes. Dick should be prosecuted for sexually assaulting a minor.I think we know what kind of a person you are to defend Dick's actions.

Easy wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:07 AM:I stumbled onto these comments while reading the story online, and most really trouble me.

First off, Dick's drinking and using are his business...but not if it interferes with the rights of others. Battery, public intoxication and urinating in a public place are each crimes. Whether he has a problem with drugs and alcohol or not is really not up for discussion because the issue is responsibility or lack thereof. He lost control and should pay the price..it's as simple as that.

The conversations about why the girl was out so late are ridiculous and completely irrelevent. It has nothing to do with the fact that Dick was drunk or high, acted like a jackass and committed at least three crimes.

Let's leave the victim alone and not forgive or justify Dick's behavior because of his fame.

nick wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:34 AM:What a "Dick" -grin-

ah ya wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:36 AM:Also last year, Dick was cited in Columbus, Ohio, for urinating on the sidewalk. A comedy club owner in the city said the actor also made inappropriate comments while on stage, groped patrons, took women into the men's room and urinated on the floor and on at least one person.

At least one, there always at least one. hahahaha I love it!

ABC wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:39 AM:Dicks a "D" but so are a fair percentage of individuals when alcohol is added to the mixture. Don't get me wrong...it was wrong.

But ok, so the "girls" (being that they were both minors) were in a resturant/bar at the time of the call around 1am...I don't like it.

However that's what communities get, when they will only allow alcohol establishments to open if they serve food. Murrieta only has one real bar, not allowing persons under 21, Joannies Cantina, which was there before Murrieta became a City.

Food service "bars"...open the doors for lecherous individuals to oggle permiscuous youth and co-mingle in an unheathy atmosphere. Nieve minor adults with uninhibited adults always spells trouble, thats why the rule is 21 and not 18, it gives them a couple years to grow up.

Communities should look a little harder at the resturants that allow alcohol menus to find the real reason for the establishment...I mean really...bufflo wings? Com'on, it's a bar! Minors need to be out by the time the street lights come on if not sooner.

career wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:14 PM:Andy Dick's career was over 5 years ago. No one has bothered to tell him. I do feel bad for his friend's family. he came here for a funeral and made a complete mockery of their loss. Kinda pathetic.

to ABC wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:24 PM:A little puritanical, aren't we?
I have been there. They serve food and yes, alcohol. Many businesses do. Responsible drinking is primarily the individual's duty but bartenders have a legal duty to not serve someone who is obviously intoxicated.
There is nothing wrong with folks of all ages visiting a legal business.
Personally, I don't like the place. The service was lousy, the floor was dirty and the food was just so-so. It is just another generic eatery in a strip mall.
They did not really do anything wrong but they should be a little embarrassed that their products & service are sub par.

Seriously wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:42 PM:He is such a dweeb. But, I am more concerned as to why a 17 year old was in a bar at 1:00 am. This is a wakeup call for her parents.

Mark wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:49 PM:So is Andy Dick to Murrieta what Robert Downey Jr. is to Palm Springs?

Is ABC for real? Move if you don't like it.

Maybe wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:53 PM:That girl could be out of High School. If her B-day is after June and before December she could have just finished school and months away from 18 or weeks or even days.

Angry Dad in Temecula wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:58 PM:S/W Riverside LEOs need to conduct proactive law enforcement operations against these Hollywood slime like Andy Dick. Riverside County Sheriff deputies and Murrieta PD could target these chemically addicted Hollywood cretins the same way they did recently against the motorcycle gang ("Mongols") Many people move to Murrieta and Temecula to get away from the freaks and piggish behavior in Los Angeles, Hollywood and San Diego. Hopefully Andy Dick's arrest will send a message to all of the Paris Hiltons, Lindsay Lohans and other celebrity garbage out there to keep their tacky behavior and illicit activities out of our neighborhood.

Is Angry Dad for Real wrote on Jul 17, 2008 3:01 PM:You said: "Many people move to Murrieta and Temecula to get away from the freaks and piggish behavior in Los Angeles, Hollywood and San Diego."
Oh please. You moved out there for $200,000 real estate that's now worth $100,000. People in Temecula are just as "piggy" as us slobs in San Diego. Please. Get over yourself.

Sharon wrote on Jul 17, 2008 3:02 PM:wheres Jon Lovitz when the cops need him?

Roberto wrote on Jul 17, 2008 8:55 PM:See Sally run.
See Dick pull sallies blouse.
See Dick go to Jail.
Don't be a Dick.

Steve wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:15 PM:He was a judge on the premiere showing of the Gong Show today, I wonder what that pays?

Yvonne wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:20 PM:The actions of the crazy "star" are bad enough, but I'm wondering, why was a 17 year old hanging out outside a bar?

The curfew in Temecula is 10:00 does Murrieta have a curfew?

Did she she receive a curfew citation?

Comic Genius wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:26 PM:He's way ahead of his time. In 15 or 20 years you will all be laughing at this "prank". Shades of Andy Kaufman.

Jon wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:49 AM:For the Record: Checking his IMDB, he is working enough to keep himself supplied with pills and booze. It appears he did the same thing last year in Ohio, but was not arrested. In fact, looks like he does this every year in some outlying area or back home in Hollywierd.

Its not a BAR wrote on Jul 18, 2008 7:41 AM:People, come on. This story is 3 days old and we still think a 17 yr old was hanging around outside a bar. It's a freaking buffalo wings restaurant that serves alcohol. It's not a 21-and-up establishment. The reading comprehension of posters on this blog is abysmal.

Amazed wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:24 AM:There is no reason for a 17 year old girl to be at a BAR and grill at 1am. Period.

Lets face it... wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:30 AM:there's more than one dick in Murrieta. Leave the victim alone; the article says "witnesses" told the police of the incident involving her. She may have already been home by the time Dick was pulled over by MPD. It's appalling how many of you are trying to blame her for his inappropriate behavior. He should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Mike wrote on Jul 18, 2008 10:56 AM:To Huh:

I was a California Cop. I am curious if You can Read. The crime against the victim in this case meets the criteria for a felony. Andy Dick has a pattern of this type of behavior and he desrves to be a sex registrant for the rest of his life. I hope he does not get a slap on the wrist because of his celebrity status. He deserves to do his next interview from the county jail. This crime involved a minor, so I am curious that MPD did not do a bail enhancement. It could have been done and I would have done so for this offense.

to mark wrote on Jul 18, 2008 11:47 PM:man dont even compare roberty downey jr with andy dick. theres no comparison. thats like comparing wine with semen. sorry to be crude but thats just how disgusting and lame andy dick is.

Big Adventure wrote on Jul 19, 2008 8:53 PM:At least Pee Wee was only convicted of battering himself.

Skip wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:09 AM:I got a good laugh from the reaction to my comment from "Crazy Skip". I laughed even harder when I realalized that the NCT in their infinite wisdom pulled my origional comment in the first place.

R/ Doha, Qatar

hohum wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:10 AM:I am glad to see that all of you actually read the whole article. Andy Dick was in town for the funeral of a friends father, not a gig at Pechanga. Dont really thinks he's all that funny but sounds like he really left his mark on Murrieta.

lacy wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:36 PM:why is everyone putting murrieta down? what do you have against this town? so what if a one time actor/whatever he is comes here and does what is normal in hollywood he does here, doesnt mean that you have to insult the town and the residents who live here.. i have lived in this town for many years now and i love it. i would rather live here then in sd or la.. at least i know the freaks arent out everynight!!

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