Nearly a decade after she obtained a restraining order against Matt Prokop, Sarah Hyland’s ex has been arrested for allegedly assaulting his current girlfriend.
According to TMZ, Prokop was arrested in his hometown of Victoria, Texas on Saturday, May 18. Victoria Police Department’s Sergeant Dailey told the media outlet that Prokop and his girlfriend were out and about when she told someone he had assaulted her. Police were called. However, the two were gone by the time they arrived.
About an hour later, the authorities were called once again, this time it was about a disturbance at another location in the city. They found Prokop and his girlfriend this time.
While talking to the couple, the police were told that Prokop allegedly assaulted his girlfriend by pushing her and slamming her head into something. She reportedly suffered enough injuries for a warrant to be issued.
As they were attempting to take Prokop into custody, authorities stated he had tried to pull away from them and run. He was charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
Matt Prokop and Sarah Hyland co-starred in the 2011 film Greek Charming. They dated for five years before calling it quits in 2014. However, Hyland accused Prokop of being both physically and verbally abusive while they were together.
Shortly after their breakup, Hyland filed a restraining order against Prokop, which was granted. The restraining order eventually became permanent.
Prokop, who starred in High School Musical 3, Struck by Lightning, and Furry Vengeance, has since quit the entertainment industry.
Sarah Hyland Previously Said She Isn’t Truly Over the Abuse She Endured From Matt Prokop
In 2020, Sarah Hyland spoke to Refinery29 about her abusive relationship with Matt Prokop.
“A lot of people like to think that once you’re out of an abusive situation, it ends there,” Hyland explained. “But it doesn’t. The emotional trauma and scars on the soul stay there, and they impact you for the rest of your life if you don’t get help.”
Sarah Hyland also said Matt Prokop and his abuse have a lasting effect on her. “I still find myself being like, ‘Oh, why did I just explode out of nowhere?’ I realize it’s tied to certain things, and it’s an endless battle of correcting yourself and having self-love.”
In court documents obtained by TMZ, Hyland detailed the abuse she endured while dating Prokop. She recalled him choking her while reportedly insulting her.
“His grip was so tight that I could not breathe or speak,” she said. “I was scared and in fear for my life.”
He had also threatened to burn down her home and kidnap her dog. He continuously bombarded her with “vile, threatening and emotionally disturbing texts and voice mails” after they broke up.