It looked like a scene from "The Sopranos" in New York on Tuesday, as Sal "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero was escorted out of a police precinct wearing handcuffs. But this was no TV mob story.

Tough guy actor Vincent Pastore has been slapped with assault charges for allegedly beating up his ex-fiancÈe, Lisa Regina. The couple met when Regina played a small role on "The Sopranos."

Prosecutors say that on Saturday, Pastore picked up Regina at her apartment in New York's Little Italy. They allegedly had an argument in his car and then police say Pastore punched her in the head, slammed her head between the seats and then threw her and her belongings out of the car. Neighbors reportedly claim it wasn't the first time he got rough with her.

Minutes after Pastore was released on bail Tuesday, a "Celebrity Justice" camera crew caught him getting a bite to eat and joking with a hot dog vendor.

The wise guy actor's attorney, Dominic Barbara, calls Pastore "a gentleman, who is anything but what the charges are against him."

Pastore is due back in court May 5th. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.