Lions CB Wanted on Domestic Violence Charges, Sheriff Says

Cornerback Cameron Sutton of the Detroit Lions is the subject of a police search, according to a March 20 release from the Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office posted on X, formerly Twitter, that it had issued a warrant for Sutton’s arrest on suspicion of “aggravated battery — domestic violence.”

Upon Heavy Sports’ request for additional information, officials clarified that Sutton was wanted on suspicion of domestic battery by strangulation, a felony.

The Detroit News’ Justin Rogers reported that the police have “made multiple attempts” to contact Sutton but have been unable to reach him.

“Do you know this man?” the March 20 post asked in a caption under Sutton’s photo. “The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office needs your assistance in locating a wanted subject: Cameron Sutton, 29.”

On the afternoon of March 20, the Lions issued a statement regarding the warrant for Sutton’s arrest.

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

Hillsborough County includes the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office: ‘He’s Been Ducking Us’

According to Hillsborough County police sheriff’s office records, they “were contacted” around 4:40 am on March 7 “regarding a domestic incident” involving Sutton. The report identifies Sutton’s 35-year-old ex-girlfriend as the victim.

The report notes that the victim was choked to the point where she lost consciousness. The police report is heavily redacted to remove the victim’s personal information, as the investigation is ongoing.

MLive.com’s Kyle Meinke reported Sutton fled the scene before police were able to arrive.

According to police, Sutton had not returned to his house or turned on his phone since the incident.

“He’s been ducking us,” Phil Martello, a communications officer for the sheriff’s department, 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.”

Heavy Sports requested additional information from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and will provide updates if any are received.

Cameron Sutton’s Was a Major Investment for the Lions

Sutton is entering the second season of his contract with the Lions after signing a 3-year, $33 million deal to join Detroit in the 2023 offseason. Sutton represents the biggest financial commitment the Lions have made in their secondary the past two offseasons.

He began his NFL career as the No. 94 overall pick in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After six seasons with the Steelers, Sutton signed with the Lions in free agency in March 2023.

Sutton has started 56 contests in his NFL career. During 101 games overall, he has posted 233 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 44 pass defenses and 9 interceptions. During his first season with Detroit, Sutton had 65 combined tackles, including 4 tackles for loss. He also posted 6 pass defenses and 1 interception.

In three playoff games, Sutton recorded 8 combined tackles, including 1 tackle for loss and 3 pass defenses.

During the 2023 regular season, the Lions finished 27th in pass defense and 29th in passing yards allowed per attempt. Sutton was the top cornerback on the unit.