2016 NFL Updates: Ex-Browns WR Davone Bess Arrested After Disturbing Standoff with Police

By Carlo Monzon
Davone Bess
Davone Bess with the Miami Dolphins Wikimedia Commons/June Rivera

Davone Bess, the former wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns was arrested in Arizona on Monday morning following a five-hour standoff with law enforcers. Based on the reports, the arrest came after he fled from a traffic stop and agitated the officers.

According to USA Today, Bess was driving around the town of Gilbert at midnight without his lights on. This prompted a patrol officer to ask Bess to pull over.

However, the former NFL player refused to stop and exit his vehicle. He then rolled down his window and made a hand gesture which seemed to threaten the officer.

"A Gilbert patrol officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a silver Mercedes driving without headlights on," the Gilbert Police Department said in a statement according to Pro Football Talk.

"The vehicle pulled into a parking lot of a sporting goods store but continued driving slowly through the lot and would not stop for the officer," it continued. "The driver, later identified as Davone Bess, then rolled down his window and began making gestures with his hand shaped like a gun and motioning that he was shooting the officer."

According to the department, Bess continued to ignore the commands of the patrol officer and immediately drove away from the parking lot. Back-up law enforcers were then called in to pursue Bess who went straight to his home.

While inside his house, Bess reportedly ignored the commands of officers. Also, from time to time, he would stand in front of the door and window holding a knife to his own neck. The department noted that other members of Bess' family exited the house during the standoff between the former pro athlete and the police.

Immediately after obtaining a warrant to enter the home, a K-9 unit was released which then allowed the law enforcers to apprehend Bess.

"A short time later Bess again opened the front door, however at no point did Bess comply with anything with negotiators were asking him to do," the department said. "For Bess' own safety it was decided to get him in custody as quickly as possible and safely as possible."

"At this point a police K-9 was released and the K-9 bit Bess on the left forearm just inside the front door of the residence," it added.

According to the police department, due to the nature of the incident and Bess' actions, he was subjected to mental evaluation. He was also taken to a hospital to treat his bit wounds.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories