Steelers Rookie Arrested On 15 Counts Of DUI, Assault
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie defensive lineman Alameda Ta’amu has been arrested on 15 criminal charges, the Seattle Times reports.
Ta’amu hit four parked cars and nearly ran over several police officers while fleeing from a traffic stop Sunday morning. He also injured a woman in the process. Two officers drew their weapons as Ta’amu’s 2006 Lincoln Navigator drove toward them, but did not fire at the vehicle due to the number of pedestrians and motorists in the area.
Ta’amu was apprehended by police after he hit a fifth car and wrecked his Navigator. He then took off his shirt and attempted to run from the scene before being restrained by four officers. The 6-foot-3, 348-pounder then reached for his waistband in what officers thought was an attempt to draw a weapon, and one of the officers punched him twice. He was then handcuffed and transported in a police wagon “due to [his] extremely large size.”
Ta’amu is due in court on October 23 for a preliminary hearing on 15 criminal charges, including aggravated assault and aggravated assault by vehicle, resisting arrest, and DUI. Police said his breath smelled like alcohol and a breathalyzer test showed a blood alcohol level of .196 percent, more than twice the legal limit.
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement: “We are disappointed to hear about the situation regarding Alameda Ta’amu. We will gather more facts before providing any further comment.”
Alameda Ta’amu, 22, who is originally from Kent, Washington, was drafted as a fourth-round pick earlier this year. He has yet to play in a game this season.
