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Chris O’Neal, the actor once familiar to Nickelodeon viewers, was taken into custody Monday after deputies in Los Angeles County investigated a reported burglary at a Malibu residence. The case has drawn attention because security footage appears to show multiple people entering the home, and questions remain about what led to the arrest and the charges that followed.
Alleged break-in in Malibu: what deputies say
Law enforcement sources say deputies answered a burglary call after a homeowner checked video footage. The recording, officials report, showed three adults enter the property through the rear entrance.
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- Deputies claim the suspects accessed the home from the back.
- Investigators say the security system was later tampered with.
- One of the people identified in connection with the incident was Chris O’Neal.
Arrest, booking and sudden release
Authorities arrested O’Neal and processed him on a felony allegation connected to the alleged burglary. Booking records list the charge as a felony, and the arrest made headlines across entertainment outlets.
He was released the next day. Official records indicate no criminal complaint was filed because there were “insufficient grounds” to proceed at that moment.
Claims of tampered cameras and trespass
The homeowner told investigators that the suspects moved through the back of the house. Detectives allege someone interfered with cameras to stop further recording.
Camera manipulation is a key point in the probe. If proven, it could affect how prosecutors assess intent and evidence.
Timeline of events reported so far
- Homeowner reviews security footage and notices strangers entering the property.
- Call to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department prompts a response.
- Deputies locate and arrest one suspect, later identified as Chris O’Neal.
- O’Neal is booked on a felony and released within 24 hours for lack of sufficient grounds.
Who is Chris O’Neal: a brief look at his career
O’Neal made his name on Nickelodeon. He played Kevin Reed on the 2012 series How to Rock. The show ran for 25 episodes and earned a following among teen viewers.
His on-screen work includes:
- You Gotta See This! — co-host on a Nickelodeon reality program.
- Swindle — a 2013 family film featuring Jennette McCurdy.
- Greenhouse Academy — a 2017 Netflix drama with an international audience.
- 5th Ward — a two-season series on Allblk from 2018 to 2020.
Past encounters with police
O’Neal has previously been involved in a legal matter. In May 2020, he was arrested in the San Fernando Valley.
At that time, he faced allegations tied to a driving incident. Reports said he left the scene after striking two vehicles. One person was reportedly injured.
According to media coverage, he registered just over the legal blood alcohol limit on a roadside sobriety test and was detained on a felony count for driving under the influence.
Where the investigation stands now
Investigators continue to review evidence and footage related to the Malibu case. Law enforcement has not announced new charges since O’Neal’s release.
Officials say the matter remains under investigation while prosecutors decide whether to pursue formal complaints.
