Ex-NFL Tight End Accused Of Pulling Gun On Cops In Fight Over Parking Space

A former NFL player was arrested in Florida Friday after allegedly pulling a gun on two off-duty police officers who he accused of taking his parking spot.

Orson Charles, 31, who played tight end for four NFL teams during a five-year career, allegedly walked up to the officers’ car, yanked open the driver’s side door, and pointed a gun at them during the incident, according to WTSP. The off-duty officers said they had just parked in a space on the street in Tampa’s historic Ybor City district when an incensed Charles approached.

“What (are) you trying to do?” Charles said while brandishing the gun, according to police.

The officers said they showed the hulking former athlete their badges, but he took no notice.

“I don’t give a f***, I have one in the head,” Charles allegedly told the cops before cursing at them.

Orson Charles arrested, police say he pulled gun and threatened to shoot officers. https://t.co/JxIOuRMYPh

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 17, 2022

Charles was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed firearm, and introduction of contraband into a detention facility. He was being held in jail on a $6,250 bond, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The officers did not attempt to arrest Charles on the scene, instead leaving the space and calling in the incident, according to police.

Charles, a fourth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012, grew up in Tampa and played his college ball at the University of Georgia. He was arrested for a DUI a month before the draft, and again two years later after a road rage incident in which the victim said Charles had pulled a gun on him.

The 6-foot, 3-inch, 257-pound receiver played two seasons with the Bengals, then was out of football for two seasons. He caught on the Detroit Lions in 2016, then played a year each for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Cleveland Browns. He has not played since 2018. For his career, Charles recorded 14 catches for 185 yards and no touchdowns.