TV & VIDEO - Aug. 29, 1988

A Connecticut state prosecutor has rejected an arrest request for assault charges against shout-show host Morton Downey Jr. Burton A. Kaplan, assistant state’s attorney, said that his staff can be used more effectively tackling more serious cases--such as murders, rapes and other crimes--than the assault complaint brought by Connecticut newspaperman Paul Bass. Downey scuffled with Bass and James Motavelli, editor of the weekly Fairfield County Advocate, when tempers flared during a stage show Aug. 14. Bass commented: “I think it’s unfortunate that some guy who’s a celebrity can get away with backing himself up with thousands of groupies and (attack) someone.”