Steelers RB Chris Rainey arrested, charged with simple battery

Rainey's mugshot. (Gainesville PD)

Steelers rookie running back Chris Rainey was arrested Thursday morning by Gainesville, Fla., police and was charged with one count of simple battery.

A 911 call was received at 8:26 a.m. in which a witness reported that a man and woman were involved in a physical altercation, according to the Gainesville police department.

When police arrived, they identified Rainey. Witnesses told police the two were arguing over Rainey's cell phone, and when the female got in the vehicle of Rainey's roommate, Rainey allegedly began pulling her out and then slapped her across the face with an open hand.

From the release: “Both Rainey and the female victim then fell to the ground. The victim was able to run away, but Rainey chased after her because his cellphone was in a bag the victim was carrying. Rainey grabbed the bag again, and they both fell to the ground again. Neither party suffered visible injuries from the encounter. Multiple witnesses confirmed the incident.”

According to police, Rainey and the woman have been in a dating relationship for around nine months. Rainey was taken to Alachua County Jail for booking.

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