Screech arrested for allegedly stabbing man with switchblade

An actor made famous by 1990s sitcom Saved by the Bell is behind bars after allegedly stabbing a man with a switchblade.

Dustin Diamond, best known for his role as Samuel "Screech" Powers, was arrested early Friday (today AEST) in Wisconsin on charges of possession, reckless endangerment and carrying a concealed weapon, TMZ reports.

The Ozaukee County sheriff claims the 37-year-old actor and comedian stabbed a man during a heated argument at a bar late Christmas evening before fleeing the scene.

According to the bar owner, Diamond became agitated when the alleged victim began taking photos of his entourage.

Video filmed moments before the alleged stabbing shows Diamond standing in the bar as a woman in the background says," he has a f---ing knife".

The man suffered a 1.5cm slash to his armpit and bled heavily – but did not notice the wound until moments later. He is reportedly recovering at home.

Diamond was tracked down by police in his car shortly after the incident with the switchblade and his wife in tow. She was booked on a disorderly conduct charge.

Appearing before court today, Diamond claimed self-defence and that he and his wife were attacked.