WWE star Rich Swann (Richard Allen Swann) was arrested late Saturday night by police in Gainesville, Florida around 10:30 p.m. local time. Swann was charged with domestic battery and false imprisonment over an incident with his wife.
According to the released police report, Swann was involved in an argument with Vannarah Riggs (independent wrestler Su Yung) after she wrestled at a live event in Gainesville. The police report then proceeded to provide details about an altercation.
The two were spotted having a heated argument, Riggs exited the car and Swann reportedly got out and chased after after her. Swann was described as yelling at Riggs to return to the vehicle and allegedly grabbed her by the arm and around the neck. The police report stated Swann then placed her in a “headlock and dragged her back to their vehicle.” Riggs screamed for help when this was all taking place.
One witness described Riggs as “beating on the window screaming for help” as they drove away. The witness said Riggs appeared to be very afraid of Swann and that it was clear she was trying to get away from him. A second witness observed the vehicle pull away, drive “erratically” and that Riggs jumped out of the vehicle while it was in motion. Swann reportedly left the car as it was moving, causing it to hit a telephone pole nearby.
Riggs told police she was afraid of Swann “because he has a temper sometimes.” She stated she was trying to get away from him because she was scared that the argument would escalate into physical violence. Riggs noted she jumped out of the vehicle because Swann “refused” to pull the car over when she asked. Swann told police he did not grab Riggs, put her in the car or physically touch her.
According to the detailed police report released on Sunday morning, Swann and Rigs have been together for five years and married for the last nine months.
The domestic battery charge is listed as a misdemeanor, while the false imprisonment charge is a felony. Swann remains in custody at the time of this report.
WWE issued the following statement regarding Swann’s arrest:
“WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, and per our policy, Rich Swann has been indefinitely suspended following his arrest.”
Swann was scheduled to wrestle Drew Gulak at the Monday Night RAW taping tomorrow night in Cleveland to determine the a new No. 1 Contender for Enzo Amore’s WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Those plans will clearly have to change.
https://twitter.com/GainesvillePD/status/939852538026872839