Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was arrested Wednesday in connection to a kidnapping and robbery case in Florida, according to officials.
Arnold, 23, is accused of being the “primary conspirator” before three men in their late teens were allegedly held at gunpoint, beaten, and pistol-whipped in February in Tampa, according to police.
He faces four weapon-related charges and four additional charges related to kidnapping, harming, or terrorizing, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrest records.
The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said Arnold faces multiple felony charges carrying a potential sentence of up to life in prison.
Arnold turned himself in to law enforcement Wednesday and was expected to make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon in Hillsborough County.
According to police, Arnold and several friends had reported more than $250,000 worth of property stolen from an Airbnb in Largo in early February.
Police said Arnold believed two men in their late teens were responsible, though investigators later determined that was not the case.
Hours after the theft report, Arnold allegedly orchestrated the kidnapping and robbery, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Police said Arnold and his friends worked to get the men, along with another person, to an apartment on Feb. 4. Two of Arnold’s friends allegedly held them at gunpoint and hit them, while another person streamed the incident to Arnold, according to police.
Later, while the assault was still ongoing, Arnold also came to the apartment, police said. Investigators said others involved stole some of the victims’ belongings.
The victims later reported the robbery to police.
“No one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said in a statement. “A dispute over missing property does not justify kidnapping, violence, or retaliation.”
Tampa police had already arrested six others suspected of being involved in the targeted armed robbery. Two have pleaded guilty, and four others are being held without bond, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Denise White, CEO of EAG Sports Management, which represents Arnold, said Arnold denies involvement.
“There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations,” White said in a statement. “Instead, the government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple convicted felons who have admitted their own involvement and may have substantial incentives to shift blame in an effort to lessen their sentences.”
Arnold is a starting cornerback for the Detroit Lions and was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft after playing at Alabama. He is from Florida.
The Lions said in a statement Wednesday night that they were aware of the situation but would not comment further.
