Santa Monica Police Dept.

Josh Brolin is seen in a photo released by the Santa Monica Police Department.

Actor Josh Brolin, who plays a police sergeant in the upcoming Hollywood movie "Gangster Squad," was arrested Wednesday after police found him heavily intoxicated and unable to care for himself on a Santa Monica sidewalk, police said on Saturday.

Brolin was contacted by police in the 1600 block of Ocean Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Santa Monica Police Sgt. Richard Lewis. He was booked into custody at 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Brolin was held in custody on a misdemeanor public intoxication charge and released.

"This was a booking only to hold him until he sobered up," Lewis said. "We do not normally file any charges on persons for simple intoxication."

Police said they would only book someone on a more serious charge and request that the City Attorney's Office prosecute if that person became a "chronic drain on resources" or has multiple arrests, Lewis said.

"In this case," Lewis said, "no further action is being sought."

Brolin's profile on imdb.com said his "rugged features" and "natural charm" have worked for him.

The son of actor James Brolin, his star has risen recently. He's played roles as a policeman, a hunter, and the President of the United States.

In his most recent film, "Gangster Squad," he plays Sgt. John O'Mara on a Los Angeles Police Department unit that chases notorious mobster Mickey Cohen.