New York, June 6 – We’re on the scene at the First Police Precinct in lower Manhattan, where Russell Crowe was taken after being arrested in the early morning hours for throwing a house phone at an employee of the Mercer Hotel, where Crowe was staying. NYPD’s Officer Simmons was the arresting officer, and Crowe was charged with assault. Police say the victim clearly has a bruise on his face in photos.

Right now, Crowe’s fingerprints are being checked, and there are further complications because he is not a U.S. citizen. The Oscar-winning actor will be taken to Criminal Court for arraignment. We asked officers what Crowe was wearing when arrested, and they simply stated that he is “nicely attired”. (See? You laughed at your mother's admonition to always wear clean underwear.)

Update: 11:45 a.m. - Crowe was brought out of the First Precinct in handcuffs, and didn't hide his face. He was put into an SUV, and accompanied by a police motorbike escort, driven to Criminal Court at 100 Centre Street, where he will go before a judge. The fleece jacket Crowe has on is a promotional item from "Cinderella Man", his just-opened movie.

Update: 12:05 p.m. - Crowe has been arraigned, and is already released. Don't stand near his telephone.