Offensive linebacker Chad Wheeler of the Seahawks thought his girlfriend was dead after he allegedly strangled her unconscious – and was shocked that she survived, according to a police report.
Wheeler, an offensive tackle who played for the Giants from 2017 to 2019, was arrested early Saturday on suspicion of domestic violence after his girlfriend told police he assaulted her in an apartment in Kent. the Seattle Times reported.
Officials responded to the residence and found that the woman was locked in a bathroom after a ‘physical fight’ with Wheeler. During a 911 call, she told police she was “killed” and had a dislocated arm. Police’s Seahawks medicine used medication for bipolar disorder, but recently stopped taking it, according to the police report.
Wheeler, who is at 6 feet, 7 inches and 310 pounds, was reportedly surprised when his girlfriend regained consciousness after the alleged attack.
“Are you alive?” Wheeler asked her.
Photos allegedly of a battered woman walking around on Twitter show her with a bloodied nose in a hospital. Allegedly sent by her text messages, it was indicated how “cold” Wheeler was during the alleged attack.
“He thought I was dead on my bed and kept eating dinner,” reads the message. “When I entered the bathroom, he said, ‘Wow, you’re still alive,’ while sipping a smoothie. ‘
The assault took place after Wheeler asked his girlfriend to bow in front of him, the police report indicates.
The Seahawks told ESPN on Tuesday that team officials were aware of the situation and were still gathering information.
Wheeler was released from King County Jail on Tuesday after posting a $ 400,000 bond, according to online records.
He is due to appear in court again on Wednesday for trial. A judge has ordered Wheeler not to contact or possess weapons during a trial Monday during the trial, the Seattle Times reported.
In 2015, Wheeler was arrested by Los Angeles police while he was an athlete at USC, where he struck under the influence of walls and windows. He was not arrested but taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.
Wheeler played in five games for the Seahawks last season and is now a limited free agent.