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06/25 10:50 CDT Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold in Florida jail, accused of
directing violent confrontation
Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold in Florida jail, accused of directing
violent confrontation
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) --- Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is in a Florida
jail awaiting a court hearing Thursday after authorities accused him of leading
a plot to detain and pistol-whip three people whom he believed had stolen from
him.
It turned out, however, that the victims had nothing to do with the theft in
February, investigators said.
"Fame doesn't get you out of criminal charges or our pursuit of justice and
holding criminals accountable," Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said.
Three men in their late teens were held at gunpoint, battered, pistol-whipped
and robbed in a Tampa apartment on Feb. 4, police said, three days after
personal property worth more than $250,000 was reported stolen from Arnold and
others at an Airbnb rental in Largo, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) west of the
city.
Arnold, 23, was the "primary conspirator" in the attack, police said in a
statement, and will face kidnapping and armed robbery charges.
Arnold surrendered to authorities Wednesday and is scheduled to appear in
Hillsborough County court Thursday afternoon. The state attorney's office has
up to 21 days to file formal charges, community relations manager Gabriella
Pumo said.
Arnold denies involvement, according to Denise White, the CEO of EAG Sports
Management agency that represents the football player.
"There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations," White
said. "Instead, the government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple
convicted felons who have admitted their own involvement and may have
substantial incentives to shift blame in an effort to lessen their sentences."
At least seven people face charges, including two who pleaded guilty Wednesday
for their roles and are cooperating, the state attorney's office said.
The victims told police that Arnold's friends lured them to an apartment, held
them at gunpoint and hit them, all the while streaming the attack to Arnold.
Police said Arnold was giving orders in a group chat and later arrived at the
apartment.
"No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. A dispute over
missing property does not justify kidnapping, violence or retaliation," State
Attorney Suzy Lopez said.
Arnold was a first-round pick in the 2024 draft after playing at the University
of Alabama. He had 31 tackles and an interception last season for the Lions.
The Lions said they are aware of Arnold's arrest but declined to comment.
