Outer Banks actor Austin North has broken his silence after he was arrested at a hospital in Las Vegas earlier this week.
The 27-year-old is best known for starring as Topper in the hit Netflix series, Outer Banks.
According to a police report obtained by TMZ, Austin was arrested on February 13 after allegedly attacking staff at a Las Vegas emergency room.
In the wake of his arrest, the actor took to his Instagram stories to share a lengthy statement: “I am deeply upset by the events that took place in Las Vegas this past week.”
“My friend drove me to the hospital because I was having a heart attack. Several tests were taken, including blood, which came back negative for drugs and alcohol in my system.”
He continued: “I have very little memory of the events that day at the hospital.”
“I have the utmost respect for healthcare workers and hospital staff.”
“I have battled anxiety on and off for years and this was the most extreme panic attack I’ve ever had.”
He concluded by saying: “Going forward, I hope to shed light on this debilitating disorder and send hope to those who have also struggled.”
In the police report, Austin was accused of allegedly punching one nurse in the head, as well as shoving two other healthcare workers, during a visit to UMC Hospital.
Authorities said in the report that security officers managed to restrain North to a gurney after one of the staffers hit him with a tray in self-defence.
The actor was in Las Vegas over the weekend for Super Bowl celebrations.
In a statement to E! News, Scott Kerbs, UMC public relations director, said the hospital: “cannot share details about specific patient interactions, in order to protect patient privacy,” but noted that their team: “can comment that violence against health care professionals, our community heroes who devote their careers to helping others, is always reprehensible.”
Mr. Kerbs added: “UMC remains committed to maintaining the safest possible environment for our team members, patients and visitors.”
