Chris Rainey arrested on battery charges in Florida
By Matt Shetler
Current Pittsburgh Steelers running back Chris Rainey was arrested early Thursday morning and accused of simple battery (dating violence), according to a report.
The incident reportedly happened in Rainey’s hometown of Gainesville, Florida around 8:30 a.m.
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers Chris Rainey (22) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
According to Gainesville Police Department spokesman Officer Ben Tobias, police received a 911 call from a witness about a verbal altercation that turned physical early on Thursday.
The report states that witnesses told officers that Rainey and the victim got into an argument over Rainey’s cellphone. The female victim entered the vehicle of Rainey’s roommate, and Rainey confronted her on the passenger side of the vehicle, and began pulling her out of the vehicle.
Witnesses also told police that Rainey slapped the victim across the face with an open hand. Both Rainey and the female victim reportedly then fell to the ground. The victim was able to run away, but Rainey reportedly chased after her because his cellphone was in a bag the victim was carrying. Rainey grabbed the bag again, and they both fell to the ground again. Neither party suffered visible injuries from the encounter and multiple witnesses confirmed the incident.
Tobias also stated that Rainey and the victim have been in a relationship for nine months.
Rainey was transported to the Alachua County Jail for booking and charged with one count of simple battery.
While at the University of Florida, Rainey was arrested in 2010 for aggravated stalking. He had allegedly sent his girlfriend at the time threatening text messages. She later asked for the charges to be dropped.