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Police: WWE star arrested in Gainesville after dragging woman into vehicle

Woman jumped from moving vehicle to get away, police say

(Photo courtesy of Gainesville PD)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler was arrested in Gainesville late Saturday after he allegedly battered a woman, police said.

After a show at a nightclub in the area, the woman was riding in a vehicle with Richard Swann, 26, when he began critiquing her performance, according to the arrest report.

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Authorities said the woman was frightened that the argument may escalate, so she got out of the vehicle while it was moving and began walking away in the middle of traffic.

A witness told police Swann didn't put the vehicle in park and it continued moving until it slammed into a telephone pole, according to the report.

Swann allegedly grabbed the woman by her arm, put his arm around her neck and put her in a headlock before dragging her back to the vehicle, police said.

Another witness told police the woman was banging on the window and screaming for help as Swann drove away, the report said.

Police said Swann denied grabbing the woman and putting in her in the vehicle, He told them she chose to get in the vehicle on her own, according to the report.

Swann is facing charges of battery and false imprisonment, police said.


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