CUMRU TWP., Pa. – A member of Reading’s arena league football team is under arrest and facing serious charges related to a shooting in Ohio.
Brendan Nichols was arrested at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Thursday morning on felony assault by firearm charges in relation to a shooting in Cleveland, according to officials.
Authorities say that on March 27, Nichols allegedly forced his way into a home on the 10000 block of Lee Avenue in Cleveland, pistol whipped the victim, and shot him with a rifle.
Nichols then fled the scene.
A warrant by the Cleveland Police Department was issued on April 1, and the fugitive case was assigned to the Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), according to officials.
On Thursday, investigators learned that Nichols may be located at a Berks County hotel with teammates of the Pennsylvania Benjamins, an arena football team which Nichols was an active member.
Investigators from the Marshals Task Force in Reading located Nichols at a hotel in Cumru Township and Nichols was arrested without incident, authorities said.
He is currently being in Berks County Prison on one million dollars bail awaiting extradition back to Ohio.
Nichols, who spoke to 69 News last month as the Pennsylvania Benjamins prepared for their first home game at Santander Arena, is listed as a defensive tackle on the team’s roster.
The Benjamins’ next scheduled game is May 23rd in Cincinnati, Ohio.