(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Cuba Gooding Jr. is being sought by New Orleans police officers, it is reported.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the actor after an alleged altercation in a bar in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

TMZ reports that a misdemeanor battery warrant is in place after authorities received a complaint that the 44-year-old became physical with a female bartender at The Old Absinthe House around 2.00am.

A witness told the site that Cuba got upset when some people in the establishment recognised him and started to take photos.

The Jerry Maguire star then allegedly became irate and started to shout at the patrons and was asked to leave by a female bartender.

It was then that witnesses allege that he shoved the bartender against the wall and the emergency services were called.

By the time authorities got there, Cuba was gone but they are now under orders to arrest him whenever they see him.

The Oscar winner is currently in New Orleans filming The Butler with Oprah Winfrey. (C) Cover Media