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 and are cooperating, the state attorney's office said. One was immediately sentenced to four years in prison for kidnapping, conspiracy and robbery with a gun, records show.
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.
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