UFC lightweight Luis Peña was arrested Friday after being charged with multiple offenses including robbery, battery, and criminal mischief.
The Coral Springs Florida Police Department picked up Peña upon receiving an anonymous tip. In a statement made to MMA Fighting, further details were released in regards to Peña and the investigation. A spokesperson for the Coral Springs Police Department said the following:
“It was actually called in by another police department for us to go and get him, and then we had an independent person tell us where he was, and they took him into custody under that warrant,” Christian Swinson, a public information officer for the Coral Springs police, told MMA Fighting.
Just days before the crimes took place, Luis Peña took to social media in a cry for help that ultimately was not heard. The UFC fighter cited problems with mental illnesses.
People aren't comfortable talking about this, but I have been going through serious mental health issues my entire life and have finally gained the strength to get and accept the help I've needed for a long time. If you're struggling take it from me its okay to reach out
— Luis Antonio Pena (@violentbobross) June 16, 2021
Peña was involved in an incident with his girlfriend that got physical on June 14. According to an ESPN report, the domestic violence probable cause affidavit indicates that Peña accused his girlfriend of looking at other men, and as a result, broke her iPhone 11. Once the phone broke, the two began to fight.
Luis Peña Arrest Story Escalates With Threats To Kill His Girlfriend
According to the report, The Boca Raton Police Department received a tip that Peña was on his way to kill his girlfriend. After the tip was received by the department they contacted Peña and no details about the call emerged but he was later taken into custody.
A day after the incident, Peña’s girlfriend made a follow-up statement with the police and indicated that the two were involved in a physical altercation. Then, Peña’s girlfriend showed notable bumps on the top of her head. Additionally, she revealed that Peña threatened to kill himself in a recent FaceTime call.
Peña’s attorney, Daniel Martinez made a statement with ESPN in regards to his client Luis Peña.
“Luis, as many other fighters do, need help and not punishment,” Martinez said. “Fighters have a very difficult job. They get hit in the head. We don’t know what the long-term effects are.”
The lawyer also says that Luis Peña has yet to be released from jail on bond due to delayed COVID-19 protocols. He is currently being held in Broward County Detention Center.
“There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be out on bond right now,” Martinez said.
Luis Peña last competed in the Octagon against Alex Munoz where he picked up a split-decision win. As a professional, the 6″3″ lightweight holds a record of 9-3 but for now, it seems his fighting career will be put on ice.
AllAccessMMA will keep you updated on the developing story should any major details emerge!
