UPDATE: Christian LaBella had initially been charged with two misdemeanor counts of assault and two counts of harassment, but the NYPD now says the charges have been dropped.
Lindsay said she got into an argument with the man — identified by authorities as Christian LaBella — after she brought him and her friend, Claus Hjelmbak, back to her room — over pictures Christian allegedly took of the actress with his cell phone.
(Christian hails from Valley Village, Calif., but he currently works in Washington, D.C. for Republican Congressman John Shimkus of Illinois and is also reportedly the nephew of comedian Heather McDonald.)
Lindsay attempted to take the phone from Christian, and told police he then threw her on the bed, scratching her hands.
The actress said she then ran from the room and down hotel stairs, but eventually returned. Christian allegedly saw her, gave chase, choked her from behind and threw her to the ground.
Claus pulled LaBella off of the actress, and the actress pulled hotel’s fire alarm to bring help.
Christian was apprehended by police at the hotel and is awaiting charges at the 13th precinct.
Lindsay’s rep has issued the following statement: “Lindsay was assaulted early this morning in a New York hotel. While she did sustain some injuries, she was not hospitalized. The assailant was arrested and is currently in police custody. Lindsay has spoken with police and is fully cooperating with the investigation.”
