Arrest warrant issued for Lions CB Cam Sutton over strangulation charge

ALLEN PARK -- A search warrant has been issued for Detroit Lions cornerback Cam Sutton, who is facing a domestic battery by strangulation charge from an incident that occurred nearly two weeks ago in Florida. Police have been unable to locate Sutton at his home or by phone.

“He’s been ducking us,” a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office told MLive. “Our deputies have exhausted all leads. He’s got vehicles and a home nearby and he hasn’t been there. He’s turned off his phone.”

Sutton is suspected of battering a woman at 4:52 a.m. on March 7 in Lutz, Fla., according to the sheriff’s office. He fled the scene before police arrived, and all attempts to contact him have failed. He has not shown up at his house and has turned off his phone or had it disconnected, according to police. He is charged with domestic battery by strangulation, which is a third-degree felony in Florida.

After 13 days of failing to find Sutton, police published a search warrant on Twitter. He could be driving a Jeep Grand Wagoneer with a plate number of FL-AZ33QB. Police are requesting all tips on Sutton’s whereabouts be called into (813) 247-8200.

The Lions say they did not know about the charge against Sutton, and the ensuing hunt for him.

“We became aware of the ongoing legal situation involving Cam Sutton this morning,” the Lions said in a statement. “We will continue to monitor the situation and will not have further comment at this time.”

Sutton, 29, was one of the centerpieces of last year’s free-agent class, inking a three-year, $33 million deal with Detroit. He was expected to become the team’s No. 1 cornerback, but struggled to live up to expectations. He finished with six passes defended, one interception and allowed a passer rating of 122.0. That ranked second worst among all cornerbacks who played at least half their team’s defensive snaps.

The Lions have attacked their cornerback unit hard in free agency, trading for Carlton Davis, who is presumed to take over as CB1, and signing Amik Robertson. They also re-signed Emmanuel Moseley, plus return Brian Branch to occupy the slot.