Jailhouse Whoopi

By Stephen M. Silverman

06/22/1998 at 12:00 AM EDT

Whoopi Goldberg was a surprise guest at the St. Francis County Jail in Arkansas last weekend. She was just visiting, reports the Associated Press. The visit occurred after the driver of her tour bus, Robert Ward, 44, was pulled over by police for speeding on Interstate 40. So he could post his $450 bond, Ward followed the trooper to the jailhouse -- accompanied by Whoopi, who is said never to miss an opportunity to visit with fans. While in the hoosegow, the star reportedly signed autographs for staff and delivered a pep talk to female inmates. Sheriff Dave Parkman told AP that, sadly, he missed meeting Whoopi but that she posed for a photo next to his 1964 Chevrolet Impala. She also left a note: "To Sheriff Dave. All my best. Stay safe. They got me trying to snatch your car! Love Whoopi."