Maryland Running Back Wes Brown Arrested for 2nd Degree Assault, Theft and Illegal Use of a Wiretap

Maryland sophomore running back Wes Brown was arrested Wednesday and charged with second-degree assault, theft under $1,000, and illegal use of wiretapping, according to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search and confirmed by the College Park Police Department.

Brown has a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 31 at 08:45 a.m. in Upper Marlboro. Only the assault charge was used in assessing his bail, which totaled $7,500. The state's attorney has to decide if they have enough evidence in the theft and wiretapping charges - the latter of which is a felony.

University of Maryland police spokesperson Sgt. Aaron Davis said College Park police received a call from the Baltimore Police Department, asking for help in locating Brown. Davis said they found Brown Wednesday night on Knox Road, and said Brown assaulted a police officer before running away. Davis also said the wiretapping charge came from recording police officers with his cell phone without their knowledge. Davis declined to comment on why the Baltimore Police Department wanted Brown, saying that it is an open investigation.

Brown, a former four-star recruit, was the second-leading rusher on the Terps last season, finishing with 90 carries for 382 yards and two touchdowns. His breakout game came against North Carolina State, when he ran 25 times for 121 yards and a score. He is listed on Maryland's depth chart as a co-starter at running back with Brandon Ross and Albert Reid.

Update: Here is a statement from the Maryland Athletic Department:

We are extremely concerned that one of our student-athletes, Wes Brown, was arrested Wednesday evening.

This is a matter that we take very seriously. We have been in contact with the local authorities and will continue to cooperate throughout the entire process.

The University of Maryland has suspended Brown, and he is not permitted to participate in any athletic-related activities.

Since this is a pending investigation, we will refrain from having any further comment at this time."

Update: Dave Owens of WUSA9 says the case in Baltimore involved a shooting.

Baltimore City Police says #Maryland RB Wes Brown was initially being sought as a person of interest in a shooting case @wusa9 #terps

— David Owens (@DaveOwensWUSA) July 5, 2013

That shooting that #Maryland RB Wes Brown is a person of interest in was non-fatal @wusa9 #terps

— David Owens (@DaveOwensWUSA) July 5, 2013

Update: Brown has been released from jail.

Wes Brown has been released from jail, per Maryland Case Search.

— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) July 5, 2013

H/T CaptainTerp in the FanPosts