The story — TV star stands accused of going nuts on a store employee — is something straight out of any one of the numerous Law & Order shows on NBC. But this time it’s real, and the actor in question is Richard Belzer, long-time co-star on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

The NYPD — the real NYPD — was called to the Apple Store on Manhattan’s Upper West SIde last night in response to a call about an assault in progress.

Belzer, had gone to the store with two associates to buy a computer. And according to the store employee alleging the attack, “I approached him like he was a regular customer. I asked how can I help you. He told me what he needed, and then before I was able to speak again, he lunges in and grabs my neck. It was no gentle manner. There is no gentle manner to grab someone’s neck.”

For his part, the actor and comedian admits that he did put his hands on the employee’s shoulder, but says he did nothing more than ask her for help.

The police called to the scene reviewed the incident on taped surveillance footage and determined nothing illegal had been done on the actor’s part.

Says Belzer, “The sad part of it was that police officers were called and had to report to the scene and God knows we don’t need all that manpower wasted on a trivial accusation that was clearly done either for attention or to embarrass a famous person… I don’t want her to be fired, I just want her to seek help.”

According to reports, the employee has filed a harassment complaint with the NYPD, which is a matter for the civil court.

‘Law & Order’ cop: Choking claim is pure fiction [NY Post]

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