Browns’ Lonnie Phelps arrested after allegedly crashing car into restaurant

Mar 1, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas linebacker Lonnie Phelps (LB25) speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Lonnie Phelps was arrested following a frightening crash on Wednesday night.

Phelps was taken into custody and cited for suspicion of driving while under the influence after he allegedly crashed his car into the front of a restaurant in Key West, Fla., according to TMZ. Police were called to the scene at around 8:47 p.m. Wednesday over reports that a black Hyundai crashed into the Red Shoe Island Bistro. When officers arrived, witnesses identified Phelps as the driver of the car.

Phelps’ girlfriend was also in the car at the time of the accident. Police say both Phelps and the woman were combative when questioned about the incident. Phelps eventually agreed to field sobriety tests, but officers say he complained about how they were administered. The complaining continued as Phelps was transported to the police station.

“Phelps talked about how thirsty he was, how he did not know what I was going to do to him because females are the worst, asked me not to kill him, asked me how long it takes to bail out, how long I was the detective and informed me I was Russian,” an officer wrote in the official police report.

Police say Phelps then refused a breathalyzer at the station and urinated on himself while sitting in a chair. He was booked and cited for DUI and property damage. The 23-year-old is due in court for a hearing next month.

Phelps signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Kansas last year. He was waived just before the start of the season and then signed to a practice-squad deal. The Browns signed Phelps to a reserve/future contract in January.