Palatine IL July 12 2017 A former “American Idol” contestant originally from the Chicago area was arrested over the weekend after she punched a security guard at a suburban bar, Palatine police said.

Haley Reinhart, 26, who competed in the 10th season of “American Idol,” was charged with misdemeanor battery after an argument with security staff at the Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, 60 N. Bothwell St. in Palatine, according to a news release.

Her attorney Dina LaPolt said Reinhart was assaulted by bouncers at the Lamplighter.

“After forcefully removing Ms. Reinhart, they violently beat her friend, who sustained multiple injuries,” LaPolt said in an emailed statement. “We believe that she will be exonerated of all charges once the investigation is completed. We plan on taking legal action against all those who were involved in this unfortunate incident.”

Around 2 a.m. Saturday, Palatine officers were called to North Bothwell Street, where the bar’s staff reported a group of disorderly patrons, including Reinhart, who were asked to leave after knocking over a table.

As the group was escorted out, Reinhart hit a security guard in the head with a closed fist, according to police.

Reinhart, who hails from Wheeling but currently lives in Encino, Calif., posted on her Facebook page that she was back in Chicago for the Fourth of July holiday.

She was released on her own recognizance. She is scheduled to return to Cook County’s Rolling Meadows Branch Court on Aug. 2 for her first court date.

In 2011, a 20-year-old Reinhart, who has said she is heavily influenced by 1960s music, earned a spot on “American Idol,” where she performed songs including The Beatles’ “Oh! Darling” and the folk song “House of the Rising Sun.” She eventually finished in third place.

 

Since then, she’s released two albums: “Listen Up!” in 2012 and “Better” in 2016. Last month, she released a single titled “Baby It’s You” from an upcoming album.

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