Actor and former Nickelodeon sensation Chris O'Neal found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons this week. On Monday, he was nabbed by police following an alleged attempted burglary in the glamorous seaside city of Malibu, California.
O'Neal, who charmed audiences as Kevin Reed on "How to Rock," was taken into custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on March 16. The arrest records, reviewed by USA TODAY, confirm the 31-year-old actor was booked on a felony charge. However, the specifics of the alleged crime remain under wraps.
“It's shocking to see someone who once entertained kids on TV embroiled in such a scandal,” commented a fan on Twitter.
According to TMZ, the drama unfolded when deputies responded to a burglary call Monday morning. A vigilant resident, equipped with security cameras, alerted authorities after spotting three adults entering their home. Allegedly, the intruders snuck in through the back and tampered with the security system to obscure any incriminating footage.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, O'Neal was released from custody the following day. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department cited "insufficient grounds for making a criminal complaint" as the reason for his release.
This isn't the first time O'Neal has faced legal issues. Back in May 2020, the actor found himself in hot water after being arrested in the San Fernando Valley for a felony charge of driving while intoxicated, as reported by E! News and TMZ.
O'Neal rose to fame at 18, delighting fans as the quirky drummer on "How to Rock." He also showcased his talents in other Nickelodeon projects like "You Gotta See This!" and "Swindle," alongside appearances on "Figure It Out." More recently, he expanded his repertoire with roles in "Greenhouse Academy" and "5th Ward."
USA TODAY is still seeking comments from both the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and O'Neal's representatives regarding this latest incident.