FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas linebacker Wendel Davis and a man with whom he allegedly had previous run-ins have been charged with felonies stemming from a traffic incident Tuesday.

Davis, 20, was charged with first-degree criminal mischief for allegedly causing approximately $ 3, 000 worth of damage to a Nissan Altima driven by Onyebuchi Odunukwe. Odunukwe, 20, who allegedly bumped into the motor scooter driven by Davis on Maple Street with his car Tuesday, was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with felony aggravated assault and terroristic threatening, a misdemeanor.

Davis and Odunukwe had two previous altercations Tuesday before the traffic incident, according to Davis’ statement in the UAPD preliminary report.

“We have information that the initial bump of the scooter was not an accident,” UAPD information officer Lt. Gary Crain said.

ADVERTISEMENT

The preliminary police report states the UAPD obtained statements from three witnesses who confirmed the account given by Davis.

Davis claimed in the police report that as he was waiting at the traffic light at the corner of Maple and Garland streets “when he heard screeching tires and then Mr. Odunukwe’s car struck the rear of his scooter.... Mr. Davis stated that he feared for his life and he jumped off his scooter to approach the vehicle.

“ Mr. Davis stated that Mr. Odunukwe tried to run him over and he began to punch and kick Mr. Odunukwe’s car.”

During the altercation, Odunukwe put his car in reverse and backed into a Ford Explorer that was behind him, Crain said.

Davis was taken to Washington Regional Medical Center after the incident and treated for injuries to his right hand. Davis was later transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he was charged and released Tuesday evening.

Arkansas Coach B obby Petrino said Wednesday he didn’t think Davis’ hand injury was serious, but that it was “something that should not have happened.”

Davis is the second Razorbacks linebacker to be arrested in the past week. Freddy Burton was arrested early Sunday morning on DWI charges.

Petrino took part in a proam Wednesday at the LPGA P&G Beauty Northwest Arkansas Championship at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers and said the arrests of the two linebackers — a position where the Razorbacks are dangerously thin — was definitely a concern.

“We’ve had some things going on we’re not proud of, and we’re certainly going to work to have those not happen again,” Petrino said. “One of those incidents was real unfortunate, and the other one’s really uncalled for.

“ I know they know the difference between right and wrong, and we’ve got to choose to do things right.”

The dispute between Davis and Odunukwe apparently dates to last Saturday. According to Davis’ statement in the report, a woman whom Davis claimed had been “coming on” to him came to his residence during the early morning hours Saturday. Davis told police he began receiving threatening messages from her boyfriend, Odunukwe, later that day in which Odunukwe said he would “beat that ass.”

The two allegedly began fighting at Reynolds Razorback Stadium at 11: 30 a. m. Tuesday, and their altercation had to be broken up by athletic department staff, according to the police report.

Approximately one hour later, Davis saw Odunukwe and the woman outside Pat Walker Health Center, and Davis claimed that the other man called him over and they engaged in another fight that was broken up by the woman.

Shortly after that, at approximately 1: 11 p. m. according to Davis’ statement to police, he was at the stoplight when Odunukwe’s car bumped him.

Davis has been scheduled for a July 30 hearing on his criminal mischief charge.

Petrino said he would take some time before deciding what action to take with Burton and Davis.

“Certainly they’ll be dealt with, and hopefully we can get everything straightened out the right way,” he said. “Whether there’s some suspensions involved or not, I don’t know. I think we’ve got to wait and see.” Reporter Chris Cocoles of the Democrat-Gazette contributed to this report