Hayden Panettiere’s Dad Charged for Domestic Violence

Hayden Panettiere and Her Family

The cheerleader from “Heroes”, Hayden Panettiere is in the middle of trouble. Her father got arrested Monday morning (8/11) on suspicion of hitting his wife, Hayden’s mom, Lesley Vogel.

Previously on Sunday evening, Hayden hosted a benefit for the Whaleman Foundation at Eva Longoria’s Beso restaurant in Hollywood, also attended by her parents. An eyewitness from the event said, the pair were seen arguing. Then, at 3:15 a.m, 49-year-old Alan Panettiere was arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies at the family’s West Hollywood home.

About the incident, Sgt. Scott Wolf of the West Hollywood sheriffs described, “There was a domestic argument between the mother and father. He got upset and struck the mother in the face one or two times on the left cheek which caused some bruising. From what I’m told, he hit her with a closed fist. The mother called police shortly before 3 a.m., and Mr. Panettiere was taken into custody. He’s been cooperative. Earlier, they were at a party and the husband apparently felt disrespected by his wife”.

He spent about 10 hours in Los Angeles County sheriff’s custody, but was later released from custody on $50,000 bail Monday afternoon. According to sheriff’s spokesman, Steve Whitmore, Alan struck 52-year-old Lesley one or two times on the cheek causing bruising. Whitmore also added, “I can confirm that alcohol was involved in the incident”.

Hayden Panettiere’s publicist, Michelle Bega said the arrest was a “private matter” and said the actress would have no comment.

Hmm… do we need to call some back-ups? Peter Petrelli, perhaps?