"It was today at 2:30 am. She was arrested after leaving the scene of an accident," a spokeswoman for the New York Police Department said. "It was at the alleyway of 355 West 16th Street, next to Dream Hotel."

The accident occurred as Lohan was leaving a nightclub in Chelsea in her Porsche Cayenne, the New York Post said.

Lohan's car struck a 34-year-old man in the legs. He called 911, the emergency phone number, and was later taken to a New York hospital.

Lohan was released after her arrest but was summoned to appear before a judge at an as yet undetermined date, the police spokeswoman said.

The 26-year-old actress has been trying to rebuild her life after a series of run-ins with the law in recent years.

After a promising career as a child star in "The Parent Trap" and "Freaky Friday," she has become more famous for drug problems that have led to several prison stays.

In March, a Los Angeles judge formally ended Lohan's probation after a long string of court appearances, but told her to "stop the nightclubbing" and behave more maturely.