Supernatural star Jared Padalecki arrested for assault outside Texas bar

Supernatural star Jared Padalecki was arrested outside a bar in Austin, Texas, for public intoxication.

In footage released by TMZ, the 37-year-old could be seen getting into a scuffle with a man outside local hangout Stereotype. At one point, the actor appeared to have the man in a headlock before letting go.

When cops later arrived, he again looked worse for wear as he struggled to remain upright, instead needing to lean on the hood of a car as police questioned him. Padalecki was then booked on two counts of assault and one count of public intoxication and was taken into custody. 

It's not clear if Padalecki has been released on bail, which was set at US$15,000 (approx. $22,000). 

But it seems Padalecki's troubles began while he was still inside the club, with claims the actor — who has played Sam Winchester in Supernatural since its debut in 2005 — hit the bar's general manager in the face. 

"Jared allegedly struck a bartender in the face from inside the establishment... and that a friend tried calming him down outside, but got put into a headlock after a standoff," reported TMZ.

It's believed Padalecki owns the bar where the incident occurred. The actor is a regular at the joint and was present for the opening last year.

The news of Padalecki's arrest comes seven months after it was announced that Supernatural would not be renewed for a 16th season, a move the star described as "bittersweet".

"I feel like I'll never really say goodbye to him," he told Us Weekly of his character in the demon-fighting series with also stars Jensen Ackles. "We really have become a family. Over 15 years, we've cut the fat. We didn't fire anybody but if they didn't like being there, they move on. So the people that are there want to be there.

"We've known them for 15 years; we've seen births and deaths and divorces and marriages. I mean, I met my wife in Season 4 and we have three kids!" he said, referring to co-star Genevieve Cortese. "So much has happened. I feel such a deep connection with everybody. It's gonna be rough."