Former boxer Vinny Paz has been released on $5,000 personal recognizance following an appearance in a Providence, Rhode Island, courtroom Wednesday morning after being accused of beating another man on New Year's Eve.
The Providence Journal reports that Paz, 55, of Warwick, turned himself into the Providence police earlier in the day before making a brief appearance in District Court.
He has been charged with one count of felony assault in connection with a Monday night attack at a Hawkins Street apartment building.
Police had issued a warrant for Paz's arrest after he reportedly showed up to the apartment at about 11:30 p.m. and accused Nathaniel Lavoie, 34, of stealing $16,000.
According to a police report, Lavoie told authorities that Paz, also known as Vinny "The Pazmanian Devil", Pazienza, punched him in the face repeatedly. The alleged attack left Lavoie with several broken teeth, a black eye, and bites on his left hand.
Paz then allegedly fled the apartment with his girlfriend in a black Jeep Cherokee.
Later in the day, he took to Twitter to say that he was the victim.
A check of Rhode Island state court records and WJAR-TV archives show Lavoie has a long rap sheet and has served time in prison.
It's unclear when Paz will make another appearance in court.
