Former Trojan Charged With Felony DUI

Former San Francisco 49er and USC All-American lineman Jeff Bregel was charged Wednesday with felony driving under the influence--his sixth such arrest since 1988, according to prosecutors.

Bregel, who is to be arraigned Sept. 18, faces up to four years in state prison, Deputy Dist. Atty. Larry Diamond said.

The 38-year-old Granada Hills resident also could have his probation revoked in an unrelated misdemeanor case in which he threatened to injure a prosecutor.

Early Monday, Bregel was returning home in his mother’s car when he rear-ended another car traveling east on Rinaldi Street at Balboa Boulevard in Granada Hills, prosecutors and police said.

The second car overturned and the driver reported neck and back pains, Diamond said.

Bregel refused to take a sobriety test, Diamond said.

According to defense attorney Carey Caruso, Bregel said he hit the other car after it left a service station without its lights on.

“Alcohol certainly wasn’t the major factor,” Caruso said.

Bregel was an All-American offensive guard for the USC Trojans in 1985 and 1986 as well as an Academic All-American.

He was picked in the second round of the 1987 NFL draft by the 49ers and played with them for three seasons.

Bregel was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.