More on Cash Wheeler’s arrest
As noted, AEW World Tag Team Champion Cash Wheeler of FTR was arrested this morning by the Orlando Police Department and charged with one count of third degree felony aggravated assault with a firearm. He was booked in Circuit Court, and was being held by Florida’s Orange County Department of Corrections in Orlando, FL. Court records indicated that a warrant for Wheeler’s arrest was issued on Friday, July 28, but he then filed a plea of not guilty, via his lawyer Brice Aikens, on Thursday, August 3.
The prosecutor noted at today’s arraignment that the incident Wheeler was involved in, which happened on Thursday, July 27, is “believed to be a road rage incident,” and that Wheeler allegedly “flashed a gun” at the victims. Wheeler’s lawyer said he did not know the victims.
Wheeler reportedly turned himself in on the warrant, and was booked into the Orange County Jail at midnight. He was given a bond of $2,500 at an arraignment earlier today, but as of this writing it’s not clear if he has bonded out or not. Per the stipulations of the bond, Wheeler has been ordered to have no direct or indirect contact with the victim or witnesses, and he is not allowed to possess any weapon, firearm or ammunition. He must turn over any weapons he owns to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office within 12 hours of his release from jail, and they will hold those weapons until the case has been finalized. It’s interesting to note that Wheeler was not given any travel restrictions, and was not ordered to turn in his passport. FTR is currently scheduled to defend the AEW World Tag Team Titles against The Young Bucks at All In on Sunday, August 27 in London, and since Wheeler has not been convicted of a crime, he should be able to travel to England for the show, unless AEW changes plans.
It was noted by Fightful Select that talents within AEW did not know about the arrest until news broke today. For those who missed it, AEW issued the following statement to The Sentinel: “AEW has been made aware of the charge, and we are closely monitoring the situation. (Wheeler) is fully cooperating with local authorities.”
If convicted, Wheeler will be facing up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Video: Cash Wheeler’s arraignment + notes
by u/AimarEraFutebol in SquaredCircle
A chip off the Cornette block.
One thing I should be made completely clear. When it comes to tools of defence, it should be just that, for defence. Flashing a gun isn’t a threat to someone, it’s a warning that you are armed. Pointing a gun at someone without just provacation can be considered a threat, but is no where near an assault. Five years maximum penalty, with a fine up to $5,000 is far too oppresive for any law in this situation.
Aggravated assault with a firearm for simply “flashing a gun”. That does not make sense. For example, if I am in an argument which I feel threatened, and I take out a hammer from my tool belt so it is visible in my hand, that isn’t a threat. If I threaten to use the hammer on someone, that is a threat.
Before the gun control flame war takes off, let me point out that AEW is monitoring the situation. No immediate suspension, no talk of future endeavors yet. That might still happen as more information comes out, but for now there’s apparently not enough information so they’re not going to make a knee-jerk decision that will negatively impact his career. It might be a business decision this close to one of the biggest events in the company’s history, but also, that’s what “innocent until proven guilty” means, so kudos to them for not rushing to judgment.