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A judge has ordered free agent cornerback Richard Sherman to be released from jail without bail Thursday after his arrest on suspicion of attempting to break into his in-laws’ home in northeast Seattle.
King County District Court Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai found probable cause Sherman committed four offenses: misdemeanor and serious indictment charges of second degree criminal trespassing, malicious mischief in the third degree – both bearing domestic violence designations – and misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and driving under the influence.
Prosecutors did not ask the judge to rule on a residential burglary allegation for which he was originally booked. They have yet to file charges, but a prosecution decision is expected as early as Friday, according to a spokesperson for the King County District Attorney’s Office.
Masaniai refused to set a bond of $ 10,000 at the request of prosecutors. The judge called Sherman, who did not attend the hearing, a “pillar of the community” and noted that it was presumed he would be released as it was his first arrest. ordered that Sherman, 33, not have contact with his father-in-laws, that he did not use alcohol or over-the-counter drugs, and that he did not own a gun.
Sherman’s next hearing is set for 2 p.m. PT on Friday. He does not have to be present at the hearing and can be represented by his lawyer.
“I love and support my husband,” Sherman’s wife Ashley Sherman said in a statement after the hearing. “I am committed to helping Richard get the support and care he needs. Richard has always been a loving father and husband. And we can’t wait to see him at home with his family. “
At Thursday’s hearing, Sherman’s attorney, Cooper Offenbecher, did not dispute the existence of a probable cause for the arrest. But he said Sherman should be released without bail, noting his good work in the community, including founding the Blanket Coverage Foundation, a charity that provides low-income students with school supplies and clothing.
“Richard Sherman is among the best in our community,” said Offenbecher. “He’s a good person and a good soul. He takes these allegations very seriously.”
Sherman was belligerent, had been drinking heavily and had talked about killing himself when he left his home in the Seattle suburb of Maple Valley on Tuesday night, according to police reports. His wife called 911 to try to get the police to stop.
He was arrested early Wednesday after police said he crashed his car in a construction area along a busy freeway east of Seattle and then attempted to break into the her in-laws’ home in the suburbs of Redmond.
His stepfather, Raymond Moss, told police he armed himself with a handgun and fired pepper spray at the NFL cornerback to protect his family as Sherman attempted to smash the carries with his shoulder.
“The family started screaming in fear,” Moss told police. “I used pepper spray on Sherman’s face through the partially open door as he still knocked and tried to enter. I told him to stop. I am cocking my handgun at the moment. , fearing for my safety and that of my family. ”
Officers were cautious before arresting Sherman because of his size, strength and aggressiveness, according to police reports released Thursday. Sherman displayed “severe mood swings and speech impediments, had bloodshot and watery eyes, and smelled of intoxicants emanating from himself” when in contact with authorities at his residence. in-laws, according to reports. Sherman told authorities he was upset that his children were being taken from him, according to reports.
When told he was under arrest and asked to kneel down so that he could be handcuffed, police reports said: “Sherman ignored these orders and became more hostile. and belligerent and has repeatedly stated that he will not be arrested or handcuffed. “
Officers couldn’t use a Taser because they were worried about igniting the chemical Sherman’s father-in-law had sprayed him with and couldn’t shoot a bean bag because they were too close to him, according to police reports. Instead, they released a police dog, which bit his ankle and caused a minor cut, as other police officers fought with him on the ground, according to reports.
Sherman’s mood seemed to clear up once in police custody and he even joked about the form the soldier used to take him to the ground, according to police reports. Sherman was “polite and cooperative” at the hospital where he was taken to be treated for the K9 bite he suffered during the altercation with authorities, according to reports.
In February, King County prosecutors and the sheriff obtained an “extreme risk protection order” for Sherman, which banned him from having firearms after a judge determined he was a danger. for himself or for others. not immediately clear if any weapons had been seized from him.
Ashley Sherman told police her husband was taking antidepressants and receiving mental health counseling.
Brady Henderson of ESPN and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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