Gary Coleman Released from Utah Jail After Posting Bond

Photo credit/Utah county jail

by Alicia Cruz
The Black Urban Times

Former child actor, Gary Coleman was released from a Utah jail after police were called to his Santaquin, Utah home for a domestic disturbance.

When police realized the actor had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court in August 2009 for another domestic violence incident, they arrested and booked him into the Santaquin county jail. Coleman posted the $1,725 bail bond and was released Monday afternoon.

The Associated Press left a message for Utah attorney, Terry Plant, whom has represented Coleman in the past, but received no statement from the attorney at press time.

This latest arrest follows the 41-year-old pint-sized actor's September 2008 arrest for disorderly conduct after an incident at a Payson, Utah bowling alley. After arguing with 24-year-old Colt Rushton in the bowling alley, Coleman's truck allegedly struck Rushton pulling him under the truck. In December 2008, the actor plead no contest to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $100 fine. Last week, on January 14, Coleman settled a personal injury suit related to the bowling alley incident for an undisclosed amount.

That wasn't the first time the actor's alleged bad temper got him into trouble.

In 1998, Coleman was charged with assault after he punched Tracy Fields, a woman who asked for his autograph. Once again, Coleman pleaded no contest, received a suspended sentence and was ordered to pay Fields $1,665 in restitution.

In July 2007, Coleman was cited for misdemeanor disorderly conduct in Provo, Utah after a police officer saw him and wife, Shannon having a "heated discussion."

In July 2009, Coleman and Shannon were involved in a domestic dispute at their home. The couple was arrested for suspicion of domestic violence. In the end both were cited for disorderly conduct.

Coleman and wife, Shannon Price, 24, met in 2006 while on the set of "Church Ball," a comedy based on basketball leagues formed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Coleman starred in the 70's hit sitcom, "Diff'rent Strokes" as "Arnold Jackson," the adopted son of a New York City millionaire, opposite Todd Bridges who played Coleman's older brother, Willis. He is most famous for the catchphrase, "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?" Coleman also starred in episodes of Good Times and The Jefferson's.

Coleman has a hearing set for February 8 in Santaquin Justice Court. Santaquin is located 65 miles south of Salt Lake City, Utah.