A Detroit Lions linebacker arrested in Queens on Saturday morning for trying to avoid paying a taxi fare allegedly punched out a sergeant while in custody at the 115th Precinct stationhouse in Jackson Heights, police reported.
Trevor Bates, 25, of Westbrook, Maine faces charges of second-degree assault, obstruction of governmental administration, theft of services and resisting arrest, according to Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown.
Law enforcement sources said that Bates allegedly refused to pay a cab driver $32 for a ride from Manhattan to the Hampton Inn on Ditmars Boulevard in East Elmhurst at 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 26. Officers from the 115th Precinct were called, and following questioning, they took Bates into custody.
While at the 115th Precinct stationhouse, authorities said, Bates was informed that, as long as there were no outstanding warrants found against him, he would be freed from custody with a desk appearance ticket. When officers tried to fingerprint Bates, Brown noted, the linebacker became increasingly enraged.
As Sergeant James O’Brien attempted to calm Bates down, prosecutors said, Bates allegedly punched O’Brien in the face, causing a laceration. Other officers subsequently stunned Bates with a Taser in order to subdue him.
O’Brien was treated at a local hospital for a laceration above his left eye and a concussion.
Bates faces between probation or up to seven years in prison if convicted of the charges, Brown said.
Lions General Manager Bob Quinn told the Detroit Free Press that the organization is aware of Bates’ arrest, but has not yet spoken with him about the incident.
Before joining the Lions, Bates had stints with the Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants and New England Patriots. He was part of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl LI.
