San Diego Chargers Outside Linebacker Shawne Merriman Arrested
San Diego Chargers Shawne Merriman was arrested at his home in Poway on suspicion of felony battery and false imprisonment for allegedly choking MTV reality star Tila Tequila on Sunday.
According to San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies, 27 year-old Tila made a 911 call at 3:45 a.m. stating that the Chargers outside linebacker choked her, threw her on the floor and physically restrained her from departing his home in Poway.
Tequila was taken to Pomerado Hospital where she was reported to be in good condition. “Deputies did not observe any injuries to her, but she wanted to go and that is her right,” said Jan Caldwell, spokeswomen for the Sheriff’s Department.
“During the evening, Ms. Tequila was extremely intoxicated, inebriated and Mr. Merriman did everything he could to assist her in arranging for transportation to leave his home,” said Todd Macaluso, criminal defense attorney for Merriman, to reporters. “At no time did Mr. Merriman assault her; at no time did Mr. Merriman keep her against her will. His intentions were nothing but good.”
Merriman, 25, was taken into custody and later released. Police are still investigating the domestic incident. Formal charges have not been made pending the District Attorney’s office investigation.
In a statement said by San Diego Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith, “It’s disappointing to hear about the issue regarding Shawne Merriman.” “We’ll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course.”
CHARGERS: Merriman arrested in domestic incident, North County Times, September 6,2009
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