NFL linebacker charged with attacking NYPD sergeant in Queens after allegedly dodging cab fare
EAST ELMHURST, Queens (WABC) -- Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Bates was charged Saturday with attacking an NYPD sergeant in a Queens police precinct after he allegedly refused to pay for his taxi ride, the Queens District Attorney's Office said in a statement.
A yellow cab driver called police around 1:30 a.m. and said the NFL player, who was staying at a Hampton Inn near LaGuardia Airport, refused to pay his $32 fare.
Police arrested 25-year-old Bates and took him to the 115th Precinct. Police told Bates he would receive a desk appearance ticket before he was allowed to leave, but the DA's office said Bates became increasingly agitated.
As NYPD Sergeant James O'Brien attempted to calm him down, Bates allegedly punched him in the face, the DA said. Police then used a Taser in order to subdue him.
Sgt. O'Brien was transported to a local Queens hospital, where he was treated for a concussion. He also needed three stitches over his left eye.
Bates was charged with second-degree assault, obstructing governmental administration, theft of services and resisting arrest.
The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Bates was taken to a hospital in Queens for evaluation.
The Lions' general manager, Bob Quinn, said in a statement that the team is aware of Bates' arrest but has no further comment for now.
If convicted, Bates faces between probation and up to seven years in prison.
Bates is in his first season with the Lions, appearing in nine games.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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