Crime & Safety

Punk Rocker Casey Chaos Arrested in Studio City Car Rampage

Neighbors said the lead singer of Amen was possibly despondent over a recent break-up.

The lead singer of the punk rock band Amen was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence after allegedly in Studio City, police said.

Arrested was Casey Chaos, the stage name for Karim Chmielinski, 46, who was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Norma Eisenman of the Media Relations office said.

Chaos was in bands named Disorderly Conduct and Scum, worked with Iggy Pop on the album Beat ‘Em Up and co-wrote B.Y.O.B.

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Residents in the quiet Silver Triangle area of Studio City, north of Ventura Boulevard and west of Laurel Canyon said the rocker was a “quiet and private” neighbor who was seen mostly at night. The tree-lined area is home to longtime celebrity residents such as , and

Chmielinski was released about 9:40 a.m. after posting $5,000 bail, according to the sheriff's department. Police began getting calls about a vehicle hitting parked vehicles around 12:50 a.m. in the area of Laurel Terrace Drive and Vantage Avenue, according to Sgt. Rich Brunson of the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division.

Find out what's happening in Studio Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Officers retraced the motorist's 1.6-mile route of destruction and found three vehicles with relatively minor damage, Brunson said. They are seeking reports of other damage. The suspect abandoned his vehicle on Hillslope Street near Laurel Grove Avenue and was arrested a short distance away, Brunson said. An additional filing of misdemeanor hit-and-run was requested, Brunson said.

The suspect was arrested at his home.

See the TMZ report by clicking here.

One neighbor reported that she had seen the car, with Florida license plates on the street, but rarely in the driveway. “We would only see him at night,” she said.

Another neighbor, who asked for anonymity, said, “He recently separated from his wife. 
It's such a shock not knowing what renters we get and very disappointed with his behavior.” 

Another neighbor witnessed the entire alcohol test and said, “he was stumbling all over the sidewalk.” 

The neighbor said, “I am so glad no one was injured. It could have been a lot worse!”

See Chaos's videos Killing People and City of Tragedy above in the video gallery.

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