Crack cocaine arrest for O'Neal

O'Neal's film include Basquiat, International Velvet and Paper Moon

Oscar-winning actress Tatum O'Neal has been arrested after buying crack cocaine near her home in Manhattan, according to police.

The star was seen making the purchase on Sunday evening and was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

The 44-year-old daughter of movie star Ryan O'Neal has struggled with heroin and cocaine addiction in the past.

A former child star, she picked up a best supporting actress Oscar for her role in Paper Moon at the age of 10.

She remains the youngest actor to win an Academy Award in the ceremony's history.

TV comeback

Her acting career slowed after her divorce from tennis superstar John McEnroe in 1992.

She later lost custody of their three children due to drug abuse.

In recent years, she had started to piece her career back together, starting with a cameo appearance on Sex and the City, followed by stints on Dancing With The Stars and cable TV series Rescue Me.

Speaking to the International Herald and Tribune last year, she said she planned to make greater efforts to get back into film.

"As bad as Hollywood can be," she said, "it's also pretty great in that it gives you the chance to come back and redeem yourself."

Messages to her publicist were not immediately returned following the arrest.

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