'Outer Banks' star has meltdown in Las Vegas ER, allegedly attacking nurses and staff, blames 'debilitating' panic disorder

An actor on the hit Netflix series "Outer Banks" had a meltdown at a hospital in Las Vegas earlier this week, allegedly physically assaulting several staff members "out of nowhere." He later blamed his behavior on a severe panic attack.

On Tuesday evening, 27-year-old Austin North entered University Medical Center, located just west of the Strip in Las Vegas, with an unknown medical complaint. While in the emergency room, North apparently began attacking several hospital staff members unexpectedly.

According to reports, North punched one nurse in the head and shoved another in the face. He also apparently pushed a phlebotomist into a table. The phlebotomist then grabbed a nearby tray and struck North in the head in self-defense. There are also reports that North similarly attacked a fourth person, a female, but whether the woman is affiliated with the hospital is unclear.

Security officers managed to restrain North and handcuff him to a gurney, and police arrived shortly thereafter and placed him under arrest. When the officer reading North his Miranda rights asked whether North understood that he was being arrested for battery, he replied, "Yes," multiple officers claimed.

Two days after the incident, North took to social media to give his version of events. According to a lengthy Instagram Live post, North claimed he had experienced an "anxiety attack" so severe that he thought he "was having a heart attack." North said he has struggled with anxiety for years but had never had an episode like that before.

He claimed to have "very little memory" of the evening. He also expressed hope that his story will "shed light on this debilitating disorder and send hope to those who have also struggled." Though he did claim to have "the utmost respect for healthcare workers and hospital staff," he did not offer an apology to any of his alleged victims.

North was booked and charged with gross misdemeanor battery. He has since bonded out of custody. It is unclear when he is next scheduled to appear in court or whether he has hired an attorney.

North is best known for playing Topper Thornton on "Outer Banks." Season four of the series is currently in production in North Carolina.

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