Denver Broncos outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite is accused of punching a Denver police officer in the face at the drop-off line at Denver International Airport on Sunday, according to court records.
Wilhoite, 38, is facing a single charge of felony assault over the incident, court records show. Police say he pulled up to the airport’s arrivals drop-off lane at the east terminal around 2:09 p.m. Sunday, got out of his 2021 Ford Bronco and left it unattended, according to a police affidavit filed against Wilhoite.
A uniformed Denver police officer assigned to the area approached Wilhoite when the coach returned to his vehicle and told Wilhoite he could not leave his vehicle unattended, according to the affidavit.
Wilhoite twice told the officer to, “Shut the (expletive) up,” according to the affidavit. Wilhoite then approached the officer and “bumped his chest” into the officer, according to the affidavit. The officer shoved Wilhoite back, and Wilhoite punched the officer in the face, police alleged in the affidavit.
The officer fell to the ground and Wilhoite returned to his car, but, as he opened the door to get inside, the officer fired his Taser, according to the affidavit. The Taser struck Wilhoite near his left hip and side. The Taser shocked him for a few seconds, then Wilhoite got into his car and drove away, according to the affidavit.
The officer had “visible injuries” on his knees, as well as jaw pain, according to the affidavit.
Wilhoite, who was later arrested, waited for his appearance in Denver County Court on Monday morning in a yellow jail jumpsuit. He was not handcuffed and chatted with jail deputies.
“We are aware of a situation involving Michael Wilhoite that occurred Sunday and are in the process of gathering more information,” a Broncos spokesman told The Denver Post on Sunday night.
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