A Lions defensive back was arrested Friday, June 6 on charges of theft, third-degree escape and second-degree assault of a police officer.

Stephen Levi Fell, 19, 417 Monroe Ave., Apartment A, Muscle Shoals, was caught concealing cologne and a woman’s watch in a bag at Dillard’s department store in Florence Mall, said Florence police detective Sgt. Cliff Billingsley.

“When the officers approached Fell, he elbowed one around the neck area and took off out the door,” Billingsley said.

He said responding officers apprehended Fell behind Casa Mexicana shortly afterward.

When any member of UNA athletics is charged with a felony, he or she is typically suspended from the program until the legal process is completed, said Athletic Director Mark Linder.

Any student charged with a crime, even if it occurs off campus, can be tried through the campus judicial system.

“Anytime we’re aware of anything that would be a possible violation of the university Student Code of Conduct, we have the option to try it through the Student Conduct Board,” said Kimberly Greenway, director of Student Conduct.

A felony charge can result in suspension from the university.

Fell is now out on bond, Billingsley said.

Stick with The Flor-Ala as this story develops.