Pittsburgh Steelers rookie nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu was arrested and charged with DUI and trying to flee police early Sunday morning after a wild car chase that allegedly included him hitting multiple parked cars.
Ta'amu faces three felony counts of aggravated assault, a felony charge of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and a felony count of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, according to court records. In total, Ta'amu faces five felonies in 10 total charges.
WPXI-TV obtained the criminal complaint, which indicates Ta'amu drove a car on the wrong side of the street and blew through red lights. When police tried to pull him over, Ta'amu reportedly drove his car at them. The police considered shooting but did not because the large number of pedestrians and motorists around.
Ta'amu hit five different vehicles as he tried to get away from police, according to the report. One woman in one of those cars was injured.
According to the Associated Press, after his vehicle was disabled Ta'amu fled on foot, taking off his shirt in his attempt to evade police. Once officers caught up to Ta'amu in a parking lot, they ordered him to the ground but he resisted. Ta'amu appeared to reach for his waistband, the AP reports, so an officer punched him twice. Once handcuffed, Ta'amu was transported in a police wagon "due to (his) extremely large size."
Ta'amu took a blood alcohol test and registered .196, twice the legal limit.
"We are disappointed to hear about the situation regarding Alameda Ta'amu," Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press. "We will gather more facts before providing any further comment."
Pittsburgh police would not immediately release information about the arrest when contacted by NFL.com.
Ta'amu, who will have a court hearing Oct. 24, was a fourth-round draft pick of the Steelers this year. He has been inactive for every game.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
