NYPD Slams Russell Crowe's Special Treatment Claims  6/11/05

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has denied Russell Crowe's claims they gave the Oscar-winning actor special treatment during his arrest for allegedly attacking a hotel employee.

The Antipodean actor, 41, was arrested on Monday morning (06JUN05) and charged with second degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon after allegedly throwing a telephone at Mercer Hotel worker Nestor Estrada.

The Oscar winner sped through police processing in eight hours, while other prisoners can spend up to 36-hours in custody before arraignment, reports the New York Daily News.

During Crowe's appearance on the Late Show With David Letterman on Wednesday (08JUN05), the star said, "I've got some friends in this town.

"People like Tommy Cronin at the NYPD made a few calls and, you know, just simplified things."

However NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne says, "We can't help it if someone is boasting they did something.

"But the only different treatment Russell Crowe got was a police escort to the courthouse - and that was for protection. There is no investigation."

Crowe has apologized for his behavior, admitting he lost him temper because he was desperate to phone his wife Danielle Spencer back home in Australia.