Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Chad Wheeler has been reportedly charged with first-degree assault over an alleged attack on his girlfrie...
Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Chad Wheeler has been reportedly charged with first-degree assault over an alleged attack on his girlfriend.
According to TMZ, Wheeler, 27, was charged Wednesday with first-degree domestic violence assault, domestic violence unlawful imprisonment and resisting arrest.
In court documents, prosecutors wrote that Wheeler 'strangled, suffocated and beat the victim into unconsciousness -- twice -- both times leaving her for dead as blood poured from her nose and mouth, and into her stomach and lungs'.
Wheeler was released from jail in the Seattle suburb of Kent on Tuesday on $400,000 bail following his arrest three days earlier.
He issued a statement on Wednesday blaming the assault, which was sparked when he allegedly told his girlfriend to bow to him but she refused, on a 'manic episode'.
Wheeler also apologized to his girlfriend and revealed he would no longer play in the NFL in order to get help.
Wheeler was arrested after police responded to a 911 call from his girlfriend who alleged that she was being 'killed' by her boyfriend after a 'physical fight' and that she had locked herself in the bathroom. His girlfriend has not been named publicly.
In his statement, Wheeler said: 'Events happened over the weekend that transpired from a manic episode. I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused to Alleah and her family.
In his statement, Wheeler said: 'Events happened over the weekend that transpired from a manic episode. I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused to Alleah and her family'
'I apologize profusely for the turmoil that I have caused to my family, teammates, fans and those closest to me. The most important thing right now is that Alleah gets the care she needs and I get help. Both are happening.
'It is time for me to walk away from football and get the help I need to never again pose a threat to another. I cannot express my sorrow or remorse enough. I am truly ashamed.'
His statement came after horror details of the assault emerged in a police report obtained by DailyMail.com. The attack unfolded after Wheeler told his girlfriend to bow to him but she refused, police say.
He is accused of then grabbing his girlfriend and throwing her on the bed. Police said Wheeler allegedly strangled her until she lost consciousness.
When she did regain consciousness, Wheeler was allegedly standing near the bed and said: 'Wow you're alive?'
It is not clear how long she was unconscious. His girlfriend ran to the bathroom and locked herself inside as she called 911 and family members, the police report says.
She told officers she was bleeding and had a broken arm. When officers arrived at the apartment, they reported hearing screaming coming from inside.
After forcing their way into the apartment, officers said they found Wheeler in the bathroom with the woman.
Wheeler was released from jail on Tuesday on $400,000 bail following his arrest three days ago for domestic violence
Following his arrest, the Seattle Seahawks released a statement, saying: 'The Seahawks are saddened by the details emerging against Chad Wheeler and strongly condemn this act of domestic violence. Our thoughts and support are with the victim'
'Chad is a free agent and no longer with the team. We encourage Chad to get the help he needs,' the team's statement reads
The police report says Wheeler had picked the lock of the bathroom before officers arrived and started apologizing.
Officers reported that Wheeler was initially uncooperative before he was taken into custody. He allegedly shouted, 'Sorry' and 'I don't beat women'.
Wheeler was on bipolar medication but hadn't been taking it recently, according to the police report.
His girlfriend told detectives that he had a 'manic episode' that came out of nowhere. She was rushed to hospital where she was treated for a dislocated arm and face wounds.
Police said Wheeler is 6'7 and weighs 310 pounds. His girlfriend is 5'9 and weighs 145 pounds.
Following his arrest, the Seattle Seahawks released a statement saying: 'We are aware of the situation and still gathering information.'
They later issued an updated statement saying: 'The Seahawks are saddened by the details emerging against Chad Wheeler and strongly condemn this act of domestic violence. Our thoughts and support are with the victim.
'Chad is a free agent and no longer with the team. We encourage Chad to get the help he needs.'
Wheeler played in five games with Seattle this season. He joined the team in 2019 and is scheduled to become a restricted free agent.
He also has played for the New York Giants and started 19 of 27 games played over two seasons in 2017 and 2018. He was released in September of 2019.
Wheeler also was involved in an incident in December 2015 while he was in college at Southern California.
According to reports, he was punching walls and windows in an apartment and police had to shoot him with multiple rounds of bean bag to subdue him.
He was not arrested in that incident but was taken to a local hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.
Prosecutors said Wheeler is due back in court in February for an arraignment hearing. During that time, he's expected to enter a plea.
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