Obiwan Kenobi Arrested for Hit-And-Run in California
A man named Obiwan Kenobi was arrested for suspicion of felony hit-and-run over the weekend in California. Apparently the force was not strong with him that day.
Investigators believe Kenobi, 37, was driving a green Toyota when he caused a five-car crash back in March. The accident caused multiple injuries. Kenobi allegedly fled the scene afterwards. The Jedi master was also wanted on an unrelated misdemeanor petty theft charge.
So what kind of punishment is Kenobi facing?
It depends on how bad was the crash. In California, a felony hit-and-run can land a person up to a year imprisonment, fines up to $10,000, or both. However, that's only if no victims were seriously injured.
If Kenobi's alleged accident caused a death or serious permanent injury, he could get up to four years imprisonment or more.
Though in the grand scheme of things, jail time is preferable over being sentenced to fight a rancor.
Kenobi has been released from custody and placed on electronic monitoring, a spokesperson for the Placer County Sheriff's Office said. He's scheduled to appear in court on April 30. No word yet on whether precautions are being taken to protect against Jedi mind tricks.
Kenobi legally changed his name to the Star Wars Jedi master in 1999. Originally named Benjamin Cale Feit, Kenobi switched monikers as part of a California radio promotion tied to the release of "Star Wars: Episode I." The station offered $1,000 for the first listener to change their name.
Totally worth it as long as you don't do anything embarrassing. Because, as Obiwan Kenobi's hit-and-run arrest shows, a funny name automatically makes you newsworthy.
Related Resources:
- Obiwan Kenobi Arrested in Roseville Hit-and-Run (KSBW)
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident/Hit and Run: State Laws (FindLaw)
- Bicyclist's Hit-and-Run Video Leads to Arrest (FindLaw's Injured)
- Sisters on College Wrestling Team Tackle Hit-and-Run Suspect (FindLaw's Legal Grounds)