LOS ANGELES - The father of "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere was arrested early Monday on suspicion of hitting his wife, authorities said. Alan Panettiere was arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies in West Hollywood and detained on suspicion of spousal assault, sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said.

He was later released after posting $50,000 bail.

Whitmore declined to name the woman that Panettiere is accused of hitting, but said she reported to deputies that he struck the woman three times with an open hand.

Whitmore said detectives would not release a mug shot of Panettiere.

Los Angeles court records do not indicate any prior charges for the 49-year-old father of Hayden Panettiere, who plays Claire Bennett on NBC's hit show, "Heroes."

Michelle Bega, Hayden Panettiere's publicist, said the arrest was a "private matter" and said the actress would have no comment.

Source: AP