BLAKE'S GUN PERMIT LISTS 2ND ADDRESS.

Byline: Orith Goldberg Staff Writer

Actor Robert Blake claimed he was a resident of Culver City when applying in January to renew a concealed weapons permit from the city's Police Department, according to documents obtained by the Daily News.

Renewing a permit first issued in 1991, Blake requested - and was granted - coverage for three handguns: a .40-caliber Glock, and two .38-caliber Smith & Wessons.

While the actor known for playing TV's ``Baretta'' has lived at his ``Mata Hari Ranch'' in Studio City for years- and his voter registration is at his Studio City home - his attorney, Harland Braun, said Blake still met the residency requirement for the Culver City permit.

``In order to qualify for the permit, he has a place (in Culver City) available for him,'' Braun said. ``Sometimes he's there.''

It's a misdemeanor to make a false statement on a concealed weapons permit. Police were evidently satisfied that Blake met the requirements.

To qualify for the permit, an applicant must show proof he or she lives in the city and explain a need for a concealed weapon, said Culver City police Lt. Dave Tankenson.

The permit did not state the reason, and Tankenson said, ``it may be outside of the application.''

Braun said Blake carried a .38-caliber handgun May 4, the night his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, was shot and killed in Studio City. Braun said he carried the weapon because Bakley expressed fear.

Blake went back to Vitello's restaurant, where the couple had dined, to retrieve his gun where he had left it, Braun said. Blake was the last person to see Bakley alive and said he found her shot and wounded when he returned to the car.

Investigators have not ruled anyone out as suspects in their investigation.

On a copy of the concealed weapons permit police released to the Daily News, Blake's street address was blacked out.

Getting a concealed weapons permit can be difficult in Los Angeles County, law enforcement officials said, because several agencies have tightened restrictions, and now there's a residency restriction.

``Smaller agencies are often tapped for concealed weapons permits,'' said LAPD Sgt. John Pasquariello. ``The LAPD is very restrictive and oftentimes, people get concealed weapons permits from other agencies other than ours.''

In other developments, a second high-profile criminal defense attorney, Barry Levin, has joined the Blake legal team.

Levin is a former Los Angeles police officer and Los Angeles County deputy district attorney and has represented officers in the Rampart corruption scandal. Braun said Levin has a good relationship with LAPD commanders and should be beneficial in Blake's attempt to work with police in the investigation into Bakley's murder.

``It's good to have someone there who has their respect,'' Braun said.

Levin, whose law practice is based in Brentwood, was an LAPD officer for 12 years and served as a deputy Los Angeles County district attorney before going into private practice.

Levin defended Eric Menendez in his second trial and has worked 12 death-penalty cases without a judgment for death.

Levin said he met Blake face to face, had a very long conversation with him and believes Blake is not guilty.

``Right now, this case is in the investigation stage,'' he said. ``What we want to ensure is that Mr. Blake is protected and there isn't a rush to judgment. ... We believe there will not be a prosecution of Mr. Blake.''