Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees was pepper-sprayed and arrested for at a house party in South Bend early Thursday morning, per the South Bend Tribune. Rees, who started 12 games for the Irish last season, reportedly resisted arrest and kneed an officer in the stomach, leading to authorities using the pepper spray to subdue him. Here are more details:
The incident unfolded when South Bend police arrived at the home just south of the Notre Dame campus and reportedly found open containers of beer and other alcohol beverages in the backyard.
A cab driver who happened to be passing by heard the officer chasing Rees yell for him to stop. According to court documents, the driver blocked Rees escape with his car and helped with the arrest.
Rees is facing misdemeanor charges for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor (he’s only 19), resisting law enforcement and battery. He was released Thursday afternoon after posting his $250 bond.ND linebacker Carlo Calabrese was also arrested at the party on suspicion of disorderly conduct and posted $150 bond Thursday morning. Rees had a recorded blood alcohol level of .11, Calabrese was .12.
Notre Dame University released the following statement Thursday in regards to the incident:
“The University is aware of this incident and is confident that it will be handled in a prompt and professional manner through the criminal justice system.
Internal discipline is handled privately in accord with our own policies and federal law.”
In 2011, Rees completed 269 of 411 passed for 2,871 yards, including 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The Irish finished the season with an 8-5 record, posting their first consecutive winning seasons since 2005-2006.
-ALR
