Austin North, best known for playing the rich and spoiled Topper Thornton on the hit Netflix show ‘Outer Banks’, was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly assaulting several hospital staff members in Las Vegas.
According to the police report, North, 27, was taken to the University Medical Center Hospital by a friend who thought he was having a heart attack. However, once inside the emergency room, North reportedly went on a rampage, punching a nurse, shoving another nurse by the face, and pushing a phlebotomist who was trying to draw his blood.
The phlebotomist fought back by hitting North in the forehead with a metal tray, knocking him down. Security officers then restrained North and strapped him to a gurney.
North was later charged with three counts of battery on a protected person, a gross misdemeanor. He was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 19.
In a statement posted on his Instagram story on Thursday, North said he was “deeply upset” by the events and apologized to the hospital staff. He claimed he had no memory of what happened and that he was suffering from a severe anxiety attack. He also said that tests showed he had no alcohol or drugs in his system.
“I have the utmost respect for healthcare workers and hospital staff,” North wrote. “I have battled anxiety on and off for years and this was the most extreme panic attack I’ve ever had.”
North’s fans and co-stars expressed their support and concern for him on social media, while others criticized him for his violent behavior and lack of accountability.
