Actor Eliot Preschutti Sued for Alleged Shovel Attack and Attempted Hit-and-Run

An actor and comedian, Eliot Preschutti, who has appeared in films with notable actors like Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo, is facing a lawsuit alleging a violent assault in West Hollywood. The suit, filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims Preschutti threatened to kill a man living with his ex-partner, struck him with a shovel, and then attempted to run him over with his vehicle on August 4.

The alleged victim, Lucas Scheerer, states in the legal documents that Preschutti arrived at the residence he shared with Michelle Farrell, Preschutti's former romantic partner, and attacked him around noon. According to the suit, Preschutti threw Scheerer to the ground, threatened to cut his jugular, and then hit him on the neck with a garden shovel, causing a laceration. The attack continued as Preschutti allegedly attempted to run Scheerer over with his car.

Scheerer was transported to Cedars-Sinai Hospital for emergency treatment, suffering "serious bodily injuries including to his head and neck and great physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering," the lawsuit states.

Preschutti was arrested and booked on an attempted murder charge, with jail records indicating bail was set at $2 million, according to WeHoTimes. The status of criminal charges and further details on the legal proceedings were not immediately available. Attempts by The Post to reach Preschutti for comment were unsuccessful.

This incident occurs amidst a years-long dispute between Preschutti and Farrell over the ownership of the West Hollywood property where the alleged attack took place. Both individuals claim full ownership of the residence. The lawsuit also names Farrell, citing premises liability.

Earlier legal documents, pertaining to the property dispute, accuse Preschutti of threatening Farrell at knifepoint in August 2022. The suit alleges Preschutti forced Farrell to sign a deed contract under duress, threatening her life and the lives of her children if she refused. She was reportedly taken to a bank to finalize the signing with a notary under these coercive circumstances.

Further allegations detailed in the lawsuit point to Preschutti's alleged history of violence. It is claimed that in January 2024, Preschutti struck a female security guard at the Comedy Store, leading to him being subdued by male security personnel. The suit also states that Preschutti has been banned from several prominent Sunset Strip establishments, including the Rainbow Room, the Comedy Store, and Barney's Beanery, due to alleged "drunken violent nature."

Preschutti's acting credits include uncredited roles in the film "Southpaw" alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and "Foxcatcher" with Mark Ruffalo. Farrell was also contacted for comment.

Scheerer is seeking unspecified economic damages for medical, hospital, and incidental expenses, to be determined by a jury.