Ryan O'Neal Escapes Prosecution for Shootout During Family Fight

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HOLLYWOOD - Actor Ryan O'Neal won't face trial for allegedly firing a gun during a fight with his son--because authorities have failed to get the evidence they need to prosecute the 65-year-old.

The Paper Moon star reportedly lashed out at his son Griffin during a family fight on Feb. 3, after finding the 42-year-old had chained his brother Redmond to a staircase.

Family sources claimed Griffin had taken the extreme steps after finding his brother unconscious from an apparent drug overdose.

When their father returned home from a night out with girlfriend Farrah Fawcett, he apparently became enraged when he tripped over the chain tied to Redmond.

After allegedly swinging a fireplace poker, which struck Griffin's pregnant girlfriend Joanna Berry, an angry O'Neal reportedly fired off a shotgun into the staircase to scare Griffin.

When police deputies arrived on the scene, they found Redmond still tethered and shot video as evidence to document the situation.

Ryan was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon and negligent discharge of a firearm.

But after investigating the incident and repeatedly interviewing those involved, the Los Angeles County District Attorney claims there is "insufficient evidence to prove the case" against the actor.

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