Hayden Panettiere's Dad Arrested for Spousal Abuse

Hayden Panettiere's father, Alan, was arrested at his West Hollywood home for felony domestic violence against his wife -- Hayden's mom, according to reports.

"There was a domestic argument between the mother and father," Sgt. Scott Wolf of the West Hollywood sheriff's said. "He got upset and struck the mother in the face one or two times on the left cheek which caused some bruising.

"The mother called police shortly before 3 a.m., and Mr. Panettiere was taken into custody," Sgt. Wolf added. "He's been cooperative. Earlier, they were at a party and the husband apparently felt disrespected by his wife."

On Sunday evening, Hayden hosted a benefit for the Whaleman Foundation at Eva Longoria's Beso restaurant in Hollywood, also attended by her parents. Alan was arrested after allegedly striking Lesley Panettiere in the face at around 3:00 AM today.

According to TMZ, Alan was upset because Lesley was "hanging" with someone at the do and he felt she was "disrespecting" him.

Paramedics advised Lesley she should go to the hospital but she refused. Wolf said that Alan Panettiere, 49, who has not yet given deputies his version of events, was arrested on the felony charge instead of a misdemeanor because "there were visible signs of injury" on Lesley's face.

It's unclear whether either party was intoxicated or if anyone else was home at the time.

Alan Panettiere is currently in custody, pending $50,000 bail.