This booking photo released by the Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation, shows Tennessee defensive back Kenneth George Jr. has been arrested early Thursday, March 21, 2019, for allegedly punching a police officer in Florida on the side of the head. (Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation via AP)
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – University of Tennessee defensive back Kenneth George Jr. has been arrested for allegedly punching a police officer on the side of the head.
George, 22, is facing felony charges of battery on an officer and resisting an officer with violence, as well as misdemeanor charges of resisting an officer without violence and disorderly conduct, according to police in Miami Beach. George was arrested just before 3:30 a.m. Thursday.
According to the police report, officer Denny Hernandez was guiding George toward the sidewalk as other officers attempted to place a violent person into custody when George punched Hernandez with a closed fist on the left side of the head and knocked the police radio out of his hand. Hernandez grabbed George and ripped his shirt, but George got away before other officers stopped him. Hernandez sustained three significant cuts on his knees and elbow.
Miami Beach police spokesman Ernesto Rodriguez said Hernandez was treated at a hospital and released and is expected to fully recover.
Tennessee athletic department spokesman Zach Stipe said in a release that “we are aware of the situation and are gathering facts as the appropriate processes run their course.” The school is currently on spring break.