Ex-Seattle Seahawks backup offensive tackle Chad Wheeler was arrested Saturday for attacking and strangling his girlfriend until she became unconscious.
The former NFL player has been charged with 1 count of first-degree domestic violence assault, 1 count of domestic violence unlawful imprisonment, and 1 count of resisting arrest.
According to a report, Wheeler allegedly attacked his Black girlfriend Alleah after she refused to bow down to him. The police reports says that he threw her on the bed and begin choking her.
Text messages allegedly sent by Alleah indicated how “cold” Wheeler was during the alleged attack. “He thought I was dead on my bed and continued to eat dinner,” the message read. “When I ran into the bathroom, he said, ‘Wow, you’re still alive’ while sipping on a smoothie.”
According to The Daily Mail, the 911 call was placed by the girlfriend and she told authorities she was being “killed” by her boyfriend after a “physical fight” and had locked herself in their bathroom. She also said 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 victim.
The police report says Wheeler had picked the lock of the bathroom before officers arrived and started apologizing.
After posting a $400K bail, the 27-year old issued an apology.
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.
Wheeler is due back in court Wednesday for a probable cause hearing. A judge ordered Wheeler not to contact the victim or to possess weapons during a hearing Monday, the Seattle Times reported.
The Seahawks released a statement announcing that ‘Chad is a free agent and no longer with the team. We encourage Chad to get the help he needs.’
