Entertainment

Charges against House staffer dropped after Lindsay Lohan alleged assault

Taylor Bigler Entertainment Editor
Font Size:

Another day, another bizarre Lindsay Lohan story — but this time she doesn’t appear to be the one on the wrong side of the law.

Christian LaBella, a staffer to Republican Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois, was arrested and charged with assault early Sunday morning for allegedly getting into an altercation with the actress in her New York City hotel room. Less than 18 hours later the charges were dropped; but Lohan could be in new legal trouble herself.

According to the New York Daily News, Lohan and LaBella were partying together at hip Manhattan club 1Oak and then brought the party back to the actress’ room at the W Hotel.

Around 6 a.m. (which is a totally normal time for someone who “doesn’t drink” and “doesn’t do drugs” to be up having a party), Lohan apparently got hold of LaBella’s cell phone, which had over 50 photos and videos of the actress on it, according to TMZ. LaBella demanded that she give the phone back to him. Lohan told cops that when she refused, he threw her down on the bed and scratched her.

Lohan then ran down the stairs from her 15th floor room, and when she came back up the stairs she encountered LaBella who she claims “choked her from behind and threw her to the floor.”

The actress pulled the fire alarm, and when police arrived they arrested LaBella.

Late Sunday, the two assault and harassment charges against LaBella were dropped because Lohan refused medical attention and did not appear to be seriously hurt. However, Lohan could potentially face criminal charges for refusing to return LaBella’s cell phone.

LaBella’s employers in Washington, D.C. are naturally not very thrilled about his after-hours actions.

“While no one from Congressman Shimkus’ office has been contacted by Mr. LaBella following his arrest, he has been an employee in the Congressman’s Washington office,” Shimkus’ office said in an email to the Daily News. “Obviously, the Congressman does not condone his actions.”

Follow Taylor on Twitter