Tuesday, 12 August 2008

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Hayden Panettiere's dad arrested for domestic violence

Police called to the family home

Hayden Panettiere has made no comment about her father's arrest

Hayden Panettiere's father, Alan, was arrested early Monday morning at the family's West Hollywood home for felony domestic violence, sheriffs confirm to PEOPLE.

"There was a domestic argument between the mother and father," Sgt. Scott Wolf of the West Hollywood sheriffs said. "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," Sgt. Wolf added. "He's been cooperative. Earlier, they were at a party and the husband apparently felt disrespected by his wife."

On Sunday evening, Hayden hosted a benefit for the Whaleman Foundation at Eva Longoria's Beso restaurant in Hollywood, also attended by her parents.

Wolf said that Alan Panettiere, 49, who has not yet given deputies his version of events, was arrested on the felony charge instead of a misdemeanor because "there were visible signs of injury" on 52-year-old Lesley Vogel's face. TMZ.com first reported the incident.


Another sheriff's spokesman, Steve Whitmore, tells PEOPLE, "I can confirm that alcohol was involved in the incident."

Alan Panettiere is currently in custody, pending $50,000 bail.


Hayden's rep says: "This is a private matter. We have no comment."

Ken Lee