Coleman Pleads Not Guilty To Reckless Driving

The Diff'rent Strokes star entered his plea on Tuesday (14Oct08) in a Payson, Utah court after showing up more than an hour late to the hearing - blamed on a 'misunderstanding', according to the actor's attorney.

The charges stem from an altercation last month (06Sep08) at a Payson bowling alley when Coleman allegedly struck 24-year-old fan Colt Rushton with his car after he took photos of the star and his wife Shannon Price.

Rushton was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

He is currently on probation and under house arrest relating to another case, and has filed a lawsuit against Coleman for damages.

Coleman's attorney Randy Kester tells People.com: "Mr. Coleman did nothing wrong. It was Mr. Rushton who provoked this incident. My client was simply trying to leave the bowling alley."

The actor faces a maximum of six months in jail if he is convicted of the misdemeanour reckless driving count, and a fine if found guilty of disorderly conduct.