Wild new details have emerged about the arrest of Broncos linebacker coach Michael Wilhoite.
Wilhoite is accused of hitting a police officer in the face with a left hook before being tased and driving away from the drop-off lane at Denver International Airport on Sunday, according to court documents obtained by The Denver Post.
The 38-year-old, who finished his second season with the Broncos, is facing a felony assault charge.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday after Wilhoite left his 2021 Ford Bronco unattended outside the arrival terminal, according to the officer’s court affidavit.
The actions prompted the cop to tell the coach he could not leave his truck that way – to which Wilhoite allegedly responded, “Shut the f–k up.”
The coach responded the same way after the officer repeated the request.
That’s when things were said to have escalated physically.
Wilhoite bumped the officer in an “aggressive manner” with his chest prompting the cop to push the coach back, according to the affidavit.
The cop shoved Wilhoite back and the coach then punched the officer in the face.
The office fell to the ground and Wilhottie made his way back to his car.
As Wilhoite opened the door, the officer fired his taser, striking the coach in the left hip and side, according to the affidavit.
The taser’s effects only lasted a few seconds before Wilhote was able to drive away in his Bronco, the officer said.
The cop left with “visible injuries” to his knees and moderate jaw pain.
Bond for Wilhoite was set at $5,000 after his appearance in court on Monday, according to the Denver Post.
The judge presiding over the hearing was worried that an interaction “that thousands of people get through successfully at the airport” escalated to an alleged assault on a police officer
“That a routine, everyday encounter turned violent is concerning to the court,” Magistrate Arnie Beckman said.
“We are aware of a situation involving Michael Wilhoite that occurred Sunday and are in the process of gathering more information,” the Broncos said in a statement to 9 News.
Wilhoite played six NFL seasons from 2012-17, including five with the 49ers after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Division II Washburn.
His final season was with the “Legion of Boom” Seahawks. Wilhoite started 45 games during his career before getting his coaching start with the Saints in 2019.