Tampa Bay Rays infielder Wander Franco, who is awaiting trial on sexual abuse charges in the Dominican Republic, has been arrested in the country on suspicion of being involved in an armed altercation, police announced Monday.
Dominican police spokesperson Melegildo Espinosa told The Associated Press that the incident occurred in a parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana. The baseball player was arrested Sunday along with another man and woman. Police said two firearms were seized.
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Wonder Franco (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images/File)
Espinosa said one of the guns likely belonged to Franco, who was allegedly fighting with the man over the woman's attention. Police did not say whether there were any injuries.
The Rays did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Franco, 23, missed the entire 2024 season after being placed on the restricted list for allegedly sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl. He was also charged with commercial exploitation of a minor and human trafficking.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, facing charges of sexual abuse of an underage girl, will appear in court in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic on January 5, 2024. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)
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He is scheduled to go to trial on December 12th.
Mr. Franco has refused to speak to the media. He simply said, “Everything is in God's hands.”
He agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021, but has not played in a game since August 12, 2023.
Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco is under investigation for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a minor. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara/File)
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He was placed on the restricted list on July 10 and any salary he had received while on leave was terminated.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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