The Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday issued a statement regarding the felony arrest of their now former offensive lineman Chad Wheeler, who allegedly choked his girlfriend until she lost consciousness.
Wheeler was released from jail Tuesday on $400,000 bail, three days after he was arrested on suspicion of felony assault-domestic violence. The King County prosecutor’s office told ESPN that charges are expected Wednesday afternoon after a hearing.
Wheeler, a restricted free agent, played in five games for the Seahawks this past season.
“The Seahawks are saddened by the details emerging against Chad Wheeler and strongly condemn this act of domestic violence,” the team said in a statement. “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 police report said Wheeler threw the woman on the bed and strangled her until she lost consciousness. After the woman regained consciousness, Wheeler said, “Wow, you’re alive?” according to the report. She fled to a bathroom to call 911, but Wheeler picked the lock to the bathroom.
Police eventually arrived and broke into the house and found Wheeler in the bathroom with the woman.
The report says the incident began when Wheeler asked the woman to bow to him. When she refused, that’s when the alleged attack began.
Wheeler had not been taking his medications for bipolar disorder and had a “manic episode” prior to the alleged attack, the woman told police.
The woman was taken to Valley Medical Center in Kent, Wash., because of arm pain, per the police report.
(Field Level Media)
