Coleman cited for disorderly conduct Tue Jul 31, 11:46 PM ET

Coleman cited for disorderly conduct Tue Jul 31, 11:46 PM ET



PROVO, Utah - Former child star Gary Coleman was cited for disorderly conduct after witnesses said they saw him in a heated argument with a woman in a parking lot.

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Coleman, 39, and the woman were in his vehicle discussing their relationship Friday night when two people saw him hit the steering wheel with his hands, Capt. Cliff Argyle said.

"Mr. Coleman was very excited and loud. ... At one point he exited his vehicle, waving his arms, yelling and screaming," Argyle said. "Vehicles were unable to exit the parking lot because of Mr. Coleman's actions."

He cooperated with officers who were called to the scene, Argyle said.

The disorderly conduct citation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in jail and a $750 fine.

"What the city attorney proceeds with, I don't know," Argyle said. "It could end up being an infraction" similar to a traffic violation.

A number for Coleman could not be found Tuesday.

Coleman moved to Santaquin, about 55 miles south of Salt Lake City, in 2005, around the time he starred in "Church Ball," a comedy based on basketball leagues formed by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Coleman once fought a bitter legal battle with his parents over whether he was fit to handle his own affairs. In 1999, he pleaded no contest to disturbing the peace after he punched an autograph-seeker he claimed insulted him.

He played Arnold on the sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes," which aired from 1978 to 1986.