Reports began circulating Saturday evening that injured Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna had been arrested in Sandy Spring and charged with aggravated strangulation and misdemeanor battery. ESPN’s Jeff Passan later confirmed the report and added that Major League Baseball is expected to open an investigation into the report. He would be subject to the league’s domestic-violence policy and could face suspension.
Ozuna is reportedly being held without bond at Fulton County Jail.
Major League Baseball is expected to open an investigation into Marcell Ozuna following his arrest, sources tell ESPN. He could be subject to the league’s domestic-violence policy and faces a potential suspension.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 30, 2021
The Braves issued the following statement saying that they learned of Ozuna’s arrest and immediately informed the Commisioner’s office and that they will not tolerate domestic violence in any form. They will let investigation play out before commenting further.
Statement from the Atlanta Braves: pic.twitter.com/qISsfrUAiL
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 30, 2021
Aggravated assault strangulation, which Marcell Ozuna was charged with, according to Fulton County jail records, is a felony in Georgia and carries a minimum of one year and up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 30, 2021
Sandy Springs, GA police just made more details of Ozuna's arrest public. Believed to be an altercation with his wife.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) May 30, 2021
"In addition to the strangulation attempts, the suspect also struck the victim with his arm which has a cast from a previous injury." pic.twitter.com/OndzFHo8Bj
Twitter user Travis Fox first circulated a picture of what looks like Ozuna being arrested. The booking report later appeared on the Fulton County police website.
Why yes he was. And it was for domestic violence. Fantastic. pic.twitter.com/N83rF7JUZy
— Travis Fox (@tfox0004) May 30, 2021
The Sandy Springs police department made some more details of the incident public. Per the report, officers entered Ozuna’s resident and witnessed him throwing his wife up against a wall.
Sandy Springs, GA police just made more details of Ozuna's arrest public. Believed to be an altercation with his wife.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) May 30, 2021
"In addition to the strangulation attempts, the suspect also struck the victim with his arm which has a cast from a previous injury." pic.twitter.com/OndzFHo8Bj
Ozuna signed a four-year, $65 million deal with the Braves this past offseason. He went on the injured list earlier this week with two broken fingers.