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Drake University football player charged in assault www.privateofficer.com
A top returning defensive lineman on the Drake University football team was arrested over the weekend on criminal charges after he allegedly was found unconscious early Saturday morning inside a law school building.
Andrew Lee Asbell, 21, of Machesney Park, Ill., was charged with two counts of assault on a police officer, criminal mischief, interference with official acts and public intoxication.
The 6 foot 4, 250-pound senior tackle was arrested inside Cartwright Hall about 5:55 a.m. Saturday.
Police were called after Drake security officers found an intoxicated person at 2621 Carpenter Avenue.
Security officers pointed out a broken door. Officers Jacob Hedlund and Charles Tomlinson walked into the entry area and found Asbell asleep on the floor. They asked him if he was OK, but received no response.
Then they tried to wake him, according to a report. “Asbell opened his eyes and looked at me as I was dressed in full DMPD uniform,” Hedlund said in the report. “I ordered Asbell to roll over and place his hands behind his back, however he did not comply.”
Police said Asbell cursed the officers then kicked Hedlund in the legs. He allegedly took an aggressive stance and officers hit him with pepper spray.
Additional police units were requested, due to the suspect’s size. Police said Asbell bent over a broken bench nearby and acted as if he was contemplating picking it up and use it as a weapon. “However, due to the spray he was unable to do so,” police said.
Asbell then walked out the door. Officers followed him, telling Asbell to get on the ground. He ignored their orders. Officers tried to take him into custody but they said due to his size they were unsuccessful. Security officers from Drake offered their assistance and he was finally taken to the ground, according to police reports.
Officers struggled to get a handcuff on a wrist. Kicks and punches administered by police officers appeared to have no effect.
Officers finally used a stun gun and Asbell was taken into custody. Officers asked him some questions but Asbell was mumbling. They asked his name and he told them it was “Gator.” Police said he had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.
Asbell was taken to Broadlawns Medical Center for treatment of injuries to his head, knees and arms.
After being treated at the hospital he was taken to the Polk County Jail in a police wagon.
“This is a matter we take extremely seriously,” Drake athletic director Sandy Hatfield Clubb said in a news release. “Mr. Asbell’s behavior as described in the police report is antithetical to our values and aspirations as a University community.”
Hatfield Clubb added: “The length of the suspension, as well as other possible disciplinary actions by the University, will be based not only upon what is eventually determined from a legal standpoint, but also on the conclusions reached by the dean of students in the course of the university’s normal disciplinary procedures relating to student conduct and our expectations for members of the Drake community.”
Drake football coach Chris Creighton was not immediately available for comment.
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