Amanda Bynes Hospitalized: Parents Take Actress' Dog After Gasoline Scare, Extending Psychiatric Hold?
The parents of Amanda Bynes reportedly took possession of her dog Wednesday after the troubled actress was placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold. Reports claim they are trying to extend the hold for at least two weeks.
Bynes, 27, was questioned by police in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Monday shortly after she allegedly lit an elderly woman's driveway on fire. Based on her answers, police determined that the troubled star needed a psychiatric evaluation and she is currently in the hospital, where legally she can be held against her will for up to 72 hours, according to TMZ.com.
Bynes, who has displayed a series of troubling behavior in recent months, reportedly doused her dog in gasoline while allegedly lighting the unidentified woman's driveway on fire. Minutes after the fire was lit, the aspiring rapper was caught on surveillance dashing to a nearby liquor store, where she desperately tried to clean the dog.
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Upon being approached by a store employee, Bynes allegedly "freaked out" and made a quick exit. Police reportedly located the actress shortly after she left the store and admitted her to hospital.
Medical professionals reportedly believe Bynes is displaying signs of schizophrenia and subsequently she will undergo further testing if the two-week extension is granted, TMZ reported.
The unidentified resident whose driveway was on fire reportedly did not learn about the incident until after police were called by an eyewitness. The authorities asked the elderly woman questions in an attempt to understand Bynes' motives.
"[Police asked] 'do you know anyone by the name of Amanda Bynes, or why she would have some vendetta against you?'" The elderly woman told the celebrity entertainment site, adding that she replied "no."
This is not the first time that Bynes has had a run-in with police. In May the former Nickelodeon star was arrested on drug charges and months prior, she faced various driving offenses.
Her parents, Lynn and Rick, are reportedly concerned for their daughter's mental well being, but they have felt a sense of helplessness because she is an adult.
"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to look at Amanda and surmise that she is having some sort of crisis. Her makeover is just one example of her troubling behavior. Her parents just wish the media would leave Amanda alone, because it's only making the situation worse. Amanda is lost and she refuses to get help," a source told RadarOnline.com prior to Bynes' recent 5150 hold.
"Her parents are powerless to do anything because she is 27 years of age and there is very little they can do, under the law," the source added.
