judge

Former Miami Dolphin Charged With Battery in Courtroom Scuffle

Dimitri Patterson "disrespected" the court room, police report says

A former Miami Dolphins player who injured two officers when he tried to flee a Miami courthouse is facing battery and resisting arrest charges, authorities said.

Dimitri Patterson, 34, was taken into custody after Tuesday's incident at the Lawson E. Thomas Court Center in downtown Miami, where he was attending a family court hearing.

According to an arrest report, Patterson "disrespected" the court room as the judge was trying to begin the hearing and was ordered to be taken into custody for civil contempt.

As an officer was trying to handcuff Patterson, he ran towards the doors, tackling a female officer, who fell backwards and injured her head, the report said.

Several other officers stepped in as Patterson fell to the ground, the report said. Patterson refused to put his arm behind his back and injured the second officer's wrist when he pulled her with a handcuff, the report said.

Patterson was taken into custody after the struggle. Both of the officers were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center, the report said. They were later released.

Patterson was arrested and faces one count of battery on a police officer and six counts of resisting an officer with violence to his person. He was being held without bond and was expected to appear in court on Friday. Attorney information wasn't available.

Patterson spent nine years as a cornerback with six NFL teams, including the New York Jets, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns and Dolphins.

Patterson was released by the Jets in 2014 after he allegedly left the team for two days and skipped a preseason game.

Patterson was charged with felony child abuse in 2015 after an altercation with his former girlfriend in Aventura ended with his 1-year-old son being bruised, ESPN reported.

Contact Us