Hayden Panettiere's Dad Faces Battery Charge

Alan Panettiere charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly hitting his wife after a party in August

As Claire Bennet knows, some wounds remain open even if you can't see them.

Hayden Panettiere's father, Alan, was charged Thursday with misdemeanor battery stemming from an altercation with his wife that the Heroes star later called a misunderstanding that was "blown way out of proportion by a sheriff who wanted his 15 minutes of fame."

Add a Los Angeles prosecutor to that lineup, as well, because Alan Panettiere is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 11. He remains free on $50,000 bail.

Hayden's dad was arrested Aug. 11 for allegedly striking her mom, Lesley, on the cheek during an argument that started after they returned home from a party hosted by their daughter at Eva Longoria-Parker's Hollywood restaurant, Beso.

L.A. County Sheriff's Department spokesman Officer Steve Whitmore said at the time that alcohol could have played a role in the incident.

"The victim was struck three times," he said during a press conference. "We believe that alcohol may be involved, so that will be a part of the investigation."

Despite the unfortunate squabble, Panettiere told Extra last month, in addition to the aforementioned jab at the sheriff, that her family was "wonderful."

"So very happy. We're all great," she said.