Tech football player suspended after arrest on battery of a police officer

Written by Zack Southwell  

 

A Louisiana Tech football player was arrested by Lincoln Parish deputies early Friday and suspended from the team.

Head coach Sonny Dykes said defensive end IK Enemkpali was suspended and will not be allowed to participate in any offseason workouts or any other team activities while he is suspended.

Capt. Stephen Williams said the incident took place at Rabb’s Steak House, 2647 South Service Road West in Ruston.

“An off-duty Arcadia police officer was working security at the bar,” Williams said. He said a Lincoln Parish deputy was passing by and saw the officer arguing with Enemkpali outside the bar.

Williams said pepper spray had been used on Enemkpali, but he continued to fight with security. He said Enemkpali then swung and struck the officer.

Enemkpali had to be stunned with a Taser and was then taken into custody by the deputy. He was booked into Lincoln Parish Detention Center on charges of battery on a police officer and disturbing the peace.

A Louisiana Tech news release stated Enemkpali’s suspension comes after the off-campus incident last weekend in which the redshirt freshman was detained.

The Pflugerville, Texas, native had recently completed spring practice with the Bulldogs.

Bond was not set.

The News-Star’s Ethan Conley contributed to this report.

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