LEETSDALE, Pa. (AP) — Devin Bush, a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, has been charged with harassment and misdemeanor simple assault after an incident involving his girlfriend at his home in Sewickley, a suburb of Pittsburgh. The charges stem from allegations that Bush chased the woman through the house and smashed her cellphone to prevent her from calling for help.

According to police reports, officers responded to a 911 call made on a Sunday morning, where the woman, who has not been publicly identified, alleged that Bush had assaulted her. During the altercation, she stated that he took her car keys and broke her phone as part of the confrontation.

Devin Bush, 26, was previously a first-round draft pick and played four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Browns last year. He had a notable career with the Browns last season, starting 10 games and ranking fourth on the team with 76 tackles after signing a one-year, $3.25 million contract in March. As of now, attempts to obtain comments from Bush and his agent Drew Rosenhaus have not been successful, as court records indicate that Bush does not currently have a defense attorney.

A representative from the Browns organization acknowledged awareness of the situation and stated that they were in the process of gathering further information regarding the incident.

The altercation reportedly escalated from an argument between Bush and the woman about a friend of his and a mess in the kitchen. Police records indicate that as Bush became increasingly aggressive, the woman attempted to record his behavior on her cellphone. It was at this moment that Bush allegedly chased her and physically pinned her against a massage table. Witnesses reported that he used his full body weight to push her down and to take her phone.

The woman informed authorities that as Bush seized her cellphone, he smashed it in a bid to prevent her from calling the police. Additionally, she claimed he attempted to take her iPad during the confrontation. In a desperate attempt to escape, she and her daughter managed to flee to a neighbor's house. Following the incident, police noted visible injuries on her right wrist and foot, which were reported to have occurred while Bush attempted to take her phone.

In his defense, Bush told the police that he was uncomfortable with being recorded in his own home. While he acknowledged smashing the cellphone during the incident, he denied any physical involvement with the woman. The police documentation contrasts his account with the injuries and claims stated by the victim.

A preliminary hearing for Devin Bush is scheduled for May 20, as the legal proceedings surrounding the case continue to develop. The outcome of this incident not only impacts Bush's personal life but may also have significant implications for his professional career in the NFL moving forward.