Arena Football Player Brendan Nichols Arrested in Connection to Ohio Shooting

A member of Reading’s arena football team is facing serious felony charges after being arrested in connection to a violent shooting incident in Ohio.

According to authorities, Brendan Nichols was taken into custody around 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning on felony assault by firearm charges tied to a shooting that occurred in Cleveland.

Investigators allege that on March 27, Nichols forced his way into a residence on Lee Avenue in Cleveland, where he reportedly pistol-whipped the victim before shooting him with a rifle. Officials say Nichols fled the scene immediately after the incident.

The Cleveland Police Department issued a warrant for Nichols’ arrest on April 1. The case was later assigned to the Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force as authorities worked to track him down.

On Thursday, investigators received information that Nichols could be staying at a hotel in Berks County alongside teammates from the Pennsylvania Benjamins of the IAL, where he was reportedly an active player at the time of his arrest.

Law enforcement officials were able to locate Nichols at the hotel and take him into custody without incident. Additional details regarding extradition or upcoming court proceedings have not yet been released.