Johnny Manziel Investigated for Domestic Violence: Dallas Police

The Dallas Police Department has launched a criminal investigation of former Heisman trophy winner Johnny Manziel after his girlfriend reported he had struck her during an altercation.

“Today, the Dallas Police Department received a complaint of a domestic violence assault that occurred in Dallas on Jan. 30, 2016,” police said in a statement. “A criminal investigation into the incident, in which Johnathan Manziel is the listed suspect, has been initiated.”

Investigators have been assigned to determine whether charges will be filed against the Cleveland Browns quarterback and former Texas A&M star.

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“Detectives will thoroughly investigate the case to determine what criminal charges, if any, will be filed and victims services will be offered,” the statement said.

Dallas police have been roundly criticized in media outlets for their handling of the complaint -- the second such incident (after one in Ohio) in a span of four months. The criticism largely centered on a lack of an arrest or formal charge despite a victim outcry and the use of a helicopter to locate Manziel to check on his well-being after the girlfriend expressed concern for him.

Manziel was ultimately contacted in the hours following the complaint, and police called off the search for him -- both at street level and from the vantage point of the police helicopter.

In Friday’s statement, police suggested the delay in pursuing a formal charge against Manziel rests with the victim, not their lack of investigatory follow-up.

“As there are many emotional factors involved, it is not uncommon for a victim of domestic violence to question or delay reporting an assault,” police said. “This is an on-going investigation and updates will be made as information becomes available.”

A judge Friday signed a protective order to keep Manziel away from the woman for two years and ordered him to pay $12,000 in legal fees, according to WFAA.

Since the latest incident involving Manziel off the field, the repercussions in the court of public opinion have been swift.

A growing chorus of Cleveland Browns fans are now calling for him to be cut from the team. And an ESPN report emerged Friday detailing how the Dallas Cowboys -- once hot after the player as a team prospect -- disqualified him from consideration after the first charge of domestic assault four months ago.

Earlier, Manziel’s own father publicly aired concern over his actions, saying he might not reach his 24th birthday if he continues his pattern of erratic behavior.

>>> Image of Manziel via Wikimedia Commons