Actor Nicolas Cage was briefly behind bars over the weekend after being charged with domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace and public drunkenness. In New Orleans to work on a movie, Cage allegedly argued with his wife in the street late one evening. According to authorities, that led to a drunken outburst.

According to a police spokesman, Cage stood in front of a residence with his wife and insisted they were renting the property; she disagreed. He allegedly grabbed her arm and took her to what he thought was the correct location, allegedly leading to the domestic violence charge.

The actor is also accused of striking nearby vehicles and attempting to flee in a taxi. Bystanders called police, who noted he was heavily intoxicated. After reportedly being pulled out of the cab, Cage allegedly started yelling. According to sources, he was promptly taken to Lock-Up. A widely circulated mug shot, featuring Cage with his eyes closed, was taken and released.

Booking information online apparently indicates Cage is not prohibited from being with his wife, as a "stay away" order was waived. The police spokesman also says the area of her arm where Cage grabbed her does not appear to be hurt. A court date is set for May.

Cage is yet another star whose troubles have been largely public. The mug shot, plastered all over the web, is unlikely to do him any favors, even though not all facts in the case are known. As if the story weren't sensational enough, Duane Chapman, star of the show "Dog the Bounty Hunter," bailed Cage out, apparently not in connection with his show.

Cage, who used to be married to Lisa Marie Presley and Patricia Arquette, has been plagued by financial troubles in recent years, according to CNN. He apparently sued his accountant in 2009.

Sources did not indicate if Cage has a history of domestic violence.

Source

Cnn.com: "Nicolas Cage bailed out of jail in New Orleans," Alan Duke, 17 April 2011