Michael Vitar, best known for his role in “The Sandlot” as Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez, was arrested last week and charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson confirmed Tuesday, December 8.
According to court documents, Vitar, another off-duty fireman Eric Carpenter, and a third man Thomas Molnar, were all charged with felony assault for beating up 22-year-old Samuel Chang.
All three men are being charged with one count each of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.According to court documents, Vitar, another off-duty fireman Eric Carpenter, and a third man Thomas Molnar, were all charged with felony assault for beating up 22-year-old Samuel Chang.
Carpenter is charged with inflicting great bodily injury.
Attorneys for Vitar and Molnar told NBC4 in Los Angeles that the charges should never have been filed because the men were protecting neighborhood children.
The 22-year-old, Chang was wearing a mask and costume and acting strange, the attorneys said, so Vitar, Carpenter, and Molnar confronted him.
According to TMZ, Vitar was released on $30,000 bail last week.
Both firefighters have been placed on administrative leave with pay while the case continues.
If convicted, Vitar and Molnar face up to four years in state prison. Carpenter could face up to seven years for his increased charge.
The 36-year-old, actor's acting career was unremarkable. After breaking on to the scene at age 12 he only landed a handful of roles.
Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez was his most notable though he also appeared in “D2: The Mighty Ducks” and “D3: The Mighty Ducks” in 1994 and 1996.
He managed a pretty good following because as those who grew up in the early 90s can attest, "The Sandlot" and "The Mighty Ducks" were all the rage.
After that initial surge of success, Vitar quietly retired from acting in 1997, last appearing in an episode of "Chicago Hope."
The three suspects are scheduled to appear in court January 21.
https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/the-sandlots-michael-vitar-aka-benny-charged-with-assault-w159256
