'Saved by the Bell' actor Dustin Diamond to stand trial, allowed to leave Wisconsin for work



PORT WASHINGTON (WITI) -- Could he be saved by surveillance video? In court on Monday, January 5th in Ozaukee County, FOX6 News learned surveillance video could back up Dustin Diamond's claims of self-defense during a Christmas night bar fight.

37-year-old Diamond, the actor who played Screech in the 1990s television show “Saved by the Bell," gave a simple head nod as he entered a courtroom Monday for his preliminary hearing. Diamond listened to testimony in a case involving charges stemming from an incident on Christmas night at the Grand Avenue Saloon.

Diamond and his girlfriend, 27-year-old Amanda Schutz were arrested after an argument turned violent.

"He had signed for the bill. He has a pen in his hand when he heard his fiancée Amanda Schutz scream. He turned around and saw she was bleeding and two men were holding her back. He intervened," a police officer testified in court Monday.

Surveillance video from the tavern reportedly shows Diamond making his way toward the group when he's confronted by another person.

"A man named Casey Smith makes contact with Diamond and attempts to push him away from the group," the officer said.

That action may support Diamond's claim of self-defense, but there are other conflicting details about what happened next -- the actions that led to one person being stabbed.

"Had a small puncture wound about a centimeter long on the right side of his chest, on the left side of his armpit. Mr. Smith did not know how he sustained the injury," the officer said.

The officer testified that during a sit-down interview with police, Diamond was elusive.

"Twice in the interview he said he had intervened holding the knife -- then correcting himself and said 'I had the pen,'" the officer said.

According to witnesses, and obscure video from the scene, it's unclear who or what struck the victim.

"No one saw him touch him with the knife because of the commotion that was caused," the officer said.

The judge granted permission for Diamond to leave Wisconsin for "employment purposes" -- and found there was enough evidence for trial in this case. Diamond has a plea hearing scheduled for Wednesday, January 22nd.

Diamond spent four nights in jail. He posted $10,000 bail last Monday, December 29th. Shortly thereafter, he appeared for a status hearing in Ozaukee County court.

Diamond faces three charges: second degree recklessly endangering safety (a felony), carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct. Diamond’s fiancee, 27-year-old Amanda Schutz faces a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge.

Below is video posted to TMZ.com showing Diamond inside the Grand Avenue Saloon on Christmas.

WARNING: There is extremely strong language in the video below. It is not appropriate for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.



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