On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Cleveland Browns defensive back Lonnie Phelps Jr. was arrested after crashing his vehicle into a restaurant in the early hours of the morning. The incident occurred in the city of Strongsville, Ohio, at approximately 2:30 AM.
According to reports, Phelps' car veered off the road and collided with the front entrance of a restaurant called "The Stonehouse Grill." The impact caused significant damage to the building, shattering windows and dislodging bricks from the exterior wall.
Witnesses at the scene reported that Phelps, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, appeared disoriented and unsteady on his feet after the crash. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
Police arrived on the scene and conducted an investigation, which included administering a breathalyzer test to Phelps. The results of the test revealed that his blood alcohol content (BAC) was above the legal limit for driving in the state of Ohio.
Phelps was arrested and charged with several misdemeanors, including operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol (OVI), failure to control, and leaving the scene of an accident. He was booked into the Strongsville City Jail and later released on bond.
The Cleveland Browns organization has since released a statement expressing concern over the incident and stating that they are gathering more information. The team emphasized that they take such matters seriously and will cooperate fully with the authorities in their investigation.
This incident marks the second time in less than two years that Phelps has been involved in a vehicular-related incident. In August 2022, he was cited for speeding and reckless driving after being clocked driving over 100 miles per hour on a highway in Mississippi.
Phelps, a 24-year-old safety, signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He has appeared in 16 games for the team over the past two seasons, primarily in a special teams role.
The Browns' defense has been a major focus for improvement this offseason, and Phelps was expected to compete for a starting role in the upcoming season. However, this incident could jeopardize his status with the team and potentially impact his future with the organization.
As the investigation into the crash continues, more details are likely to emerge. The Browns and the NFL will be closely monitoring the situation and may take further disciplinary action against Phelps if warranted.
