Gremlins’ Star, Zach Galligan, Arrested

Galligan was detained by security in the Tower Records parking lot after he allegedly lifted the CD and left the store without paying. Bruce Thomas, Los Angeles County sheriff’s sergeant, said, "He was observed by security placing the compact disc in his person. After he concealed it, Galligan walked out of the store at which time store security then detained him, then handcuffed him and took him back inside." Galligan, 38, was transferred at that time into police custody, taken to the local sheriff's station and booked. He was slapped with a petty theft shoplifting charge. Galligan was released four hours later.

Reportedly, Galligan told the authorities, "This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever done." He had cash and credit cards in his wallet at the time of his arrest. Maybe Galligan is hoping for the press coverage that Winona Ryder received during her arrest and trial for shoplifting. We probably won’t be seeing Galligan on the cover of W magazine in a "Free Zach" tee shirt or the resurgence of his acting career.

Galligan had a successful start with Gremlins, but then his career seemed to stall. Even though he did appear in over 30 movies, he has failed to bust out with a hit since 1984. He has guest-starred on Seventh Heaven and Star Trek: Voyager. Of all the ways to rejuvenate a fledgling career, maybe "arrested for shoplifting" topped his list before, appear on Celebrity Mole, get a square on Hollywood Square's or be featured on VH-1's "Where are They Now?" Maybe he was just practicing for his role in Gremlins 3: The Mogwai is Arrested for Shoplifting a Deep Purple CD.