Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The Seattle Seahawks released offensive lineman Chad Wheeler on Wednesday following his arrest on suspicion of felony assault-domestic violence.
The King County prosecutor's office filed criminal charges of first-degree domestic violence assault, domestic violence unlawful imprisonment and resisting arrest against Wheeler, who is accused of strangling his girlfriend until she lost consciousness.
Wheeler was arrested Friday in Kent, Wash., after the alleged assault. According to a police report, the woman called authorities from inside a locked bathroom and said she was being "killed." She told police she retreated into the bathroom after Wheeler threw her onto a bed and strangled her.
The woman told police that Wheeler was standing near the bed when she regained consciousness and said, "Wow, you're alive?" She said she then ran to the bathroom, locked the door and called police before Wheeler picked the lock, entered and began to apologize.
Police arrived shortly after and heard a woman screaming from inside the apartment, according to the report. Authorities forced their way into the unit and found Wheeler standing behind the woman in the bathroom. The report said the woman was crying in pain, with her face covered in blood.
Wheeler failed to comply with officers' commands and resisted before being detained, the report said. The woman was then transported to the hospital.
The woman told police that Wheeler has bipolar disorder and wasn't taking his medication recently. She said Wheeler had a "manic episode" that wasn't provoked by any argument, noting that he "snapped into a dark place" and told her to stand up and bow to him.
Wheeler grabbed her by the neck and tossed her onto the bed when she refused, the woman told police.
"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 Wednesday. "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. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please reach out for help."
Wheeler was booked into King County jail early Saturday morning and released Tuesday after posting a $400,000 bond, according to online records. A judge ordered him to have no contact with the victim and to surrender any weapons.
In a series of tweets Wednesday, Wheeler wrote: "Events happened over the weekend from a manic episode. I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused to [the woman] and her family. I apologize profusely for the turmoil that I have caused to my family, teammates, fans and those closest to me.
"The most important thing right now is that [the woman] gets the care she needs and I get help. Both are happening. It is time for me to walk away from football and get the help I need to never pose a threat to another. I cannot express my sorrow or remorse enough. I am truly ashamed."
The 27-year-old Wheeler is scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 9, when he is expected to enter a plea.
Wheeler went undrafted out of USC in 2017. He spent parts of his first three seasons with the New York Giants, starting 19 games with the team. He joined the Seahawks in October 2019 and appeared in five games this past season.
