Ex-‘Scandal’ star faces trial over throwing punch

In this Feb. 22, 2014, file photo, Columbus Short arrives at the 45th NAACP Image Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif. The former “Scandal” star Short has been ordered to stand trial on a charge that he seriously injured a man in a Los Angeles restaurant earlier this year. Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Mark Zuckman ruled Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, after a preliminary hearing that prosecutors had enough evidence for the case to go to trial. AP

LOS ANGELES – Former “Scandal” star Columbus Short has been ordered to stand trial on a charge that he punched and seriously injured a man outside a Los Angeles restaurant earlier this year.

Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Mark Zuckman ruled Tuesday after a preliminary hearing that prosecutors had enough evidence to go to trial.

A witness testified that Short delivered a running punch during a fight in March, causing Fenton Hyche III to lose consciousness and fall to the ground.

The actor left “Scandal” after being charged with felony battery in the case and in a separate domestic violence case involving his estranged wife.

Short’s attorney, Michael Levin, said Hyche was prepared to fight the actor and his client was acting in self-defense.