Out of Control: ‘Outer Banks’ Star’s Las Vegas ER Meltdown

A star of the Netflix hit series “Outer Banks,” had a breakdown at a Las Vegas hospital earlier this week. He allegedly assaulted several staff members, “out of nowhere.” Later, he blamed his behavior on a severe anxiety attack.

Austin North, 27, entered the University Medical Center in Las Vegas on Tuesday night with an unidentified medical complaint. North began to attack hospital staff unexpectedly while in the emergency department.

North reportedly punched a nurse in the head and shoved a second in the face. He also reportedly pushed a nurse into a desk. North was then struck in the head by the phlebotomist, who had grabbed a tray nearby. North is also reported to have attacked a woman, a fourth victim, similarly. However, it is not clear whether this woman was affiliated with the hospital.

North was restrained by security officers and then handcuffed to a gurney. Police arrived soon after and arrested him. Multiple officers claim that when the officer who read North’s Miranda rights asked him if he understood he was arrested for battery, North replied “Yes”.

North gave his version of the events on social media two days after the incident. North said in a long Instagram Live video that he suffered an “anxiety” attack so severe he believed he was having a “heart attack.” North claimed he had struggled with anxiety over the years, but never experienced an episode as severe as this.

He said he had “very little” memory of the event. He expressed the hope that “his story would shed light on this debilitating condition and give hope to others who have struggled.” He did say that he had “the greatest respect for hospital and healthcare staff,” but he didn’t apologize to his alleged victims.

North was arrested and charged with a gross misdemeanor of battery. Since then, he has been released from custody. He has not hired an attorney or indicated when he will next appear in court.

North is most well-known for his role as Topper Thornton in “Outer Banks.” Production on season four of the show is underway in North Carolina.