[CW: The following article includes reporting of a sexual assault involving a minor]
Virgil Zwicker, a veteran of Bellator, Strikeforce, and KSW, was arrested last week after a standoff with Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies in Temecula, CA. That standoff ended when a police motorcycle unit intentionally collided with Zwicker in a park close to Zwicker’s residence.
Valley News reports that deputies were at Zwicker’s residence to serve a warrant regarding an accusation of sexual assault against a child, which they say happened in September. Authorities claimed that Zwicker refused to comply with commands before leading deputies on a chase through his home and across his neighbourhood.
Zwicker was arraigned on Monday at the Riverside County Superior Court, where he was assigned a number of charges, both relating to Monday’s standoff and allegations connected to the outstanding warrant.
The total list of charges Zwicker is facing includes; resisting arrest, illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, stalking, aggravated sexual assault of a minor and lewd acts on a child.
During the arraignment Zwicker plead not guilty to all charges. Zwicker is currently being held at Byrd Detention Center with bail set at $1 million.
Zwicker’s MMA career began in 2003. His most recent fight was this June against former Bellator light heavyweight champion Attila Vegh in Slovakia. Zwicker won that fight by knockout.
Zwicker’s criminal record in San Diego County includes 10 cases between 2003 and 2014.
Survivors of sexual assault can find support via the following organizations:
US – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)’s National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN also has an online chat service.
Love is Respect, 1-866-331-9474. They can also be reached via online chat or by texting LOVEIS to 22522.
End Rape on Campus (EROC), 1-424-777-EROC (3762).
Canada – Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, 1-877-232-2610.
UK – UK Says No More.
Rest of the World – International Rape Crisis Hotlines.
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