NEW ARREST ENDS 'ALLY' FOR DOWNEY

LOS ANGELES -Actor Robert Downey Jr. was arrested again early Tuesday
in a Culver City alley on suspicion of using drugs and promptly
checked into a rehabilitation clinic, according to authorities and
Downey's publicist.

The arrest ends his filming for the television show "Ally McBeal" for
this season, a Fox spokesman said. Downey was scheduled to be on the
set filming for the next few days, but now has been written out,
producer David E. Kelley said.

The producer had supported Downey, 36, until his latest arrest even
signing him to more episodes after the actor's arrest in November on
drug charges.

It's unclear whether Downey's contract will be extended into the next
season or whether this latest arrest ends his career on the show.

A police officer spotted Downey behind a motel just after midnight,
said Culver City police Lt. David Tankenson.

The officer didn't recognize the actor, who was "displaying symptoms
of someone under the influence of a controlled substance ...consistent
with stimulant use," Tankenson said.

A cooperative Downey submitted to a urine test at the police station,
and police released him to his parole agent with a citation to appear
in court on the misdemeanor case May 4, Tankenson said. Police did not
say what drug he was accused of using.

Downey publicist Alan Nierob released a statement saying that Downey
then checked himself into an undisclosed treatment center.

This report includes material from The Associated Press.