Browns' Malik McDowell Arrested for Allegedly Beating Police Officer, Public Exposure

Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Malik McDowell was arrested in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Monday on charges of public exposure, resisting arrest with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer, according to Lisa J. Huriash and Chris Perkins of the Sun Sentinel.

The Browns issued a statement on the matter.

"We are aware of the very concerning incident and arrest involving Malik McDowell and are in the process of gathering more information," the team said. "We understand the severity of this matter and our thoughts are for the well-being of all involved. We will have no further comment at this time."

The Broward County Sheriff's Office said it received a report of a naked man walking near a school, which was later confirmed to be a learning center. Authorities said surveillance footage shows McDowell walking onto the property while naked.

A deputy who reported to the scene said McDowell "charged at me ... at full speed with closed fist." The officer described the physical altercation as a "violent attack."

McDowell briefly fled but was taken into custody after an officer used a Taser to subdue him and place him into handcuffs.

TMZ later posted video of McDowell's arrest:

An attorney for the 25-year-old addressed the allegations and said another person "may have slipped him something or given him something he was unaware of, which explains some of his bizarre behavior."

In November 2019, McDowell received an 11-month jail sentence following multiple legal infractions in Michigan. He was also placed on probation for three years, which overlaps with his arrest Monday.

A second-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft, the Michigan native didn't make his regular-season debut until this season. He appeared in 15 games for the Browns, finishing with 33 tackles and three sacks.

Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal later reported McDowell is "highly unlikely" to be retained as an exclusive-rights free agent following his latest arrest.