Downey Tests Positive for Cocaine

May 11, 2001 -- Toxicology test results have revealed that actor Robert Downey Jr. had cocaine in his system when he was arrested in an alleyway last month, according to a police statement released Thursday.

Authorities in Culver City, Calif., said tests of urine samples voluntarily submitted by Downey on April 24 "showed the presence of cocaine." Downey, 36, is due in court Tuesday for his most recent charges.

A Culver City Police Department spokesman said the award-winning star is expected to be charged with being under the influence of a controlled substance. The case has been submitted to the District Attorney's Office, Lt. Dave Tankenson noted.

Downey — who is also facing drug charges stemming from his November arrest at a posh Palm Springs, Calif., resort — checked himself into rehab following his most recent arrest.

The actor and his friend, Albert Aleixo of Los Angeles, were both arrested when an on-duty police officer saw Downey in an alley "displaying symptoms consistent with stimulant use." She arrested him, and Downey led her to his companion, who was in a room at the nearby $45-a-night Baldwin Motel. Aleixo, 45, was arrested for being under the influence.

Downey, who won a Golden Globe award for his portrayal of Calista Flockhart's love interest on Ally McBeal, also faces a May 24 court hearing for his November incident. He is charged with possession of cocaine and Valium in that case.

Downey was offered the recurring role on Fox's Ally by creator David E. Kelley just one week after he was released from prison last August. He had served one year on a cocaine possession conviction.

But news of his most recent bust may have taken its toll on his career comeback. "We are wrapping up the stories on the final few episodes of Ally McBeal for the season without him," Kelley said in a statement released immediately after Downey's arrest.

Reuters contributed to this story.