Actress Charlotte Ayanna, known for her role in the 2001 film "Training Day," was arrested on October 8 in West Hollywood on suspicion of multiple offenses, including battery on a peace officer and criminal threats. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that authorities were conducting a welfare check when an accuser claimed Ayanna battered him, threatened his life, and spread human ashes within a residence.
During the investigation, Ayanna, 50, whose legal name is Charlotte Lopez, allegedly kicked a deputy. The insiders asserted that the arrest was made on suspicion of battery on a peace officer, depositing human remains outside a cemetery, elder abuse, and criminal threats.
Court records indicate that Ayanna was charged on Monday with misdemeanor counts of battery on an adult person, elder or dependent adult cruelty, and battery on a peace officer. She has pleaded not guilty to these charges. According to legal records, Ayanna was released on her own recognizance on the day the charges were filed.
"It was an unfair illegal false arrest," Ayanna told TMZ. "Not only was I never read my rights, including the Miranda rights, but I was never even interviewed to talk to."
Ayanna's bail was reportedly set at $50,000, and her pretrial hearing is scheduled for November 2, according to court records.
Ayanna is also recognized for her roles in films such as "Love the Hard Way" and "Kate & Leopold," as well as the 1999 dark comedy "Jawbreaker." She also appeared in the music video for Ricky Martin's "She's All I Ever Had." On television, she made guest appearances on shows like "Weird Science," "Beverly Hills, 90210," and "Entourage."
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ayanna grew up in Vermont. Her difficult upbringing included time in the foster care system, which led to her winning the Miss Teen USA pageant in 1993. She has described her mother as a schizophrenic alcoholic and spoke to CNN about her experiences in foster care, stating that winning the pageant was unexpected for someone from her background.