[Steeltrap]

[ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 1/29/04 ]

Robin Givens' car injures pedestrian in Miami

The Associated Press


MIAMI -- Actress Robin Givens struck and critically injured an 89-year-old pedestrian who was in a crosswalk, police said Thursday.

Givens, a star of the 1980s TV comedy "Head of the Class" and the ex-wife of boxer Mike Tyson, struck Maria Antonia Alcover with her sports utility vehicle on Wednesday as the elderly woman was crossing a busy intersection during rush hour, police spokesman Delrish Moss said. Police have ruled it an accident.

Witnesses said Alcovar had gotten more than halfway across the street when the northbound/southbound light turned green and Givens' 2000 Mercedes SUV struck her. Police said Givens' car had been stopped at the traffic light before the accident.

After being hit, Alcover fell backward and her right foot was nearly severed, police said. Givens drove for about 10 feet before witnesses flagged her down. The actress stopped her vehicle, walked back to the victim and stayed with her while police and fire rescue reached the scene.

"She was very cooperative with police last night. She was crying, extremely shaken up and very concerned about the well-being of the victim," Moss said.

Givens, 39, of New York, was issued a traffic summons for failing to use due care when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk. Police said she was traveling with two boys, ages 4 and 10.

"We're looking at it as a pure accident and we don't expect any additional criminal charges whatsoever," Moss said.

Alcover was listed in "extremely critical but stable condition" at Jackson-Memorial Hospital in Miami, Moss said.

Givens also starred in "Boomerang" with comedian Eddie Murphy in 1992. She was married for a year to Tyson; the marriage ended in divorce in 1989.

Givens' Los Angeles-based manager, Alan Iezman, did not immediately return a phone message.