Eric Gay/AP
Texans safety Jimmie Ward celebrates a game-winning interception in the end zone against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward was arrested early Thursday morning after allegedly assaulting, strangling and threatening his fiancee, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
Police said deputies arrived at Ward’s residence in Magnolia, about 45 miles northwest of Houston, at around 4:30 a.m. Thursday in response to a report of an assault in progress. Upon arrival, deputies said the victim alleged that Ward, 33, had assaulted, strangled and threatened her. Ward was arrested without further incident, according to the sheriff’s office.
Ward was transported to the Montgomery County Jail, where he remained in custody as of Thursday afternoon.
According to the sheriff’s office, Ward has been charged with assault family violence impeding breath/circulation, which is a third-degree felony publishable by up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
In a statement to Houston Public Media, Texans spokesperson Omar Majzoub said the team was aware of the allegations.
“We are aware of the report involving Jimmie Ward,” Majzoub said. “We are gathering information and have no further comment at this time.”
Online court records did not list a defense attorney for Ward as of Thursday afternoon.
Ward has played 11 seasons in the NFL and two with the Texans. He was a first-round draft pick for the San Francisco 49ers out of Northern Illinois University and has started 99 of the 126 regular-season games in which he has played.