'La Bamba' Actor Not Charged After Domestic Violence Arrest

Aug. 11, 2006 — -- Lou Diamond Phillips, the actor best known for his role as '50s teen idol Ritchie Valens in "La Bamba," was released on his own recognizance and without criminal charges, after police arrested him at his Los Angeles home for alleged domestic violence.

"It was all a misunderstanding," said a spokesman for the 44-year-old actor.

Earlier in the afternoon, Phillips was held at the Devonshire Community Police Station.

Police had been called to Phillips' home at 2 a.m. and found the actor and his live-in girlfriend in an argument.

"The argument escalated into violence," LAPD spokeswoman Martha Garcia said.

At midday, bail had been set at $50,000. But later in the afternoon, he was released.

Garcia said that Phillips would meet with city attornies at a later date in regard to the incident, but would not comment further.

The actor has recently appeared in the TV police drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "24" as well as such films as "Courage Under Fire," and "The Young Guns" franchise.

Phillips has three daughters with his second wife, makeup artist Kelly Phillips. Their 11-year marriage ended in divorce in February 2005. He was previously married to Julie Cypher.