Former Pitt, NFL player accused of injuring 3 police officers during arrest in Allegheny County

MARSHALL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A former Pitt and NFL player is accused of injuring three police officers during an arrest earlier this year in Allegheny County.

One of those officers still hasn’t returned to work four months later.

After weeks of digging, Channel 11 obtained the criminal complaint against Darnell Dinkins detailing what happened.

On April 4, police said Dinkins showed up outside a home in Marshall Township, where he used to live.

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The person currently living there became uncomfortable with the situation and called 911, according to police. Officers warned Dinkins not to go back, but just hours later, they say he returned.

“Later around 5:30 in the morning we got a 911 call from the same resident in Marshall Township saying Mr. Dinkins is back on the property and he was in fear that he was that he was trying to break into the house,” Northern Regional police Chief John Sicilia told Channel 11.

Six officers showed up at the scene. Sicilia said when officers told Dinkins to leave, he replied to them with a psalm from the Bible.

“Mr. Dinkins started to become aggressive with the officers refuse any commands,” Sicilia said.

When officers tried arresting him, police said Dinkins ran away, and that’s when officers chased him and eventually stunned him with a Taser.

According to the complaint, it took all six officers about 13 minutes to restrain Dinkins and get him into custody.

“Three officers in total were injured. Two with minor injuries. They were able to come back to work immediately, but I have one officer still off to this day with significant back injury wrestling with Mr. Dinkins,” Sicilia said.

Channel 11 asked police why six officers responded to a call for one man.

“I think it’s because it was the second incident we were called and that just escalates the whole situation. And then his behavior, erratic behavior, it caused a lot of concern, and we would rather err on the side of caution,” Sicilia said. “He’s a very large individual. He was a professional athlete. He keeps himself in very good shape. Very difficult to get under control.”

Dinkins played tight end in the NFL for nine years, winning a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints in 2009. The Pittsburgh native played college football at Pitt.

Dinkins’ attorney, David Shrager, said this was all a misunderstanding.

“Mr Dinkins is a deeply, deeply religious man. He carries a Bible pretty much everywhere he goes with him, and for him, this was a situation where he felt a religious need to pray at that place,” Shrager said. “I completely and totally understand the person who lived there may found that somewhat alarming.”

According to the criminal complaint, Dinkins also claimed to be COVID-19 positive during his arrest, but he tested negative.

Shrager said Dinkins was under a great amount of stress and had no intention of hurting anyone.

“My client has no criminal history. He’s extremely well liked in the community, works for many, many causes, and he was following his religious beliefs at that moment,” Shrager said.

“I’ve met him in the past. Very nice gentleman. I have no explanation why he was acting this way. We wish him well, but unfortunately, there are consequences when you assault a police officer,” Sicilia said.

Dinkins faces a number of charges, including two counts of aggravated assault. His attorney believes the case will be resolved at the preliminary hearing, which is scheduled for November.

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