DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 09: Ryan Garcia participates in a media workout at World Class Boxing Gym on April 09, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images)
On Saturday (June 8), boxing star Ryan Garcia was arrested for felony vandalism.
TMZ reports that authorities detained Garcia at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The outlet adds that in California, law enforcement considers any damage over $400 a felony.
As reported by the outlet, the 25-1 fighter appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs. However, he complied with the authorities and left the location quietly.
Per ESPN, a watch commander from the Beverly Hills Police Department informed the outlet that Ryan’s arrest occurred after the hotel accused him of causing $15,000 in damages to the property and his room.
After booking Ryan, authorities transferred him to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for evaluation due to complaints of a medical issue. Garcia’s attorney, Darin Chavez, informed ESPN that he might face additional charges of public intoxication. In a statement issued later on Saturday, Chavez mentioned that Ryan’s arrest coincides with “an extraordinarily challenging time for him, as he has been dealing with devastating news regarding his mother’s health.”
“Ryan has been open about his struggles with mental health over the years, and at this time he is dealing with an immense emotional burden. The support and understanding from fans and the public are crucial as he navigates these personal challenges. We are working diligently to provide Ryan with the resources he needs. Our team is committed to ensuring that he receives the appropriate help and care to address both his immediate and long-term well-being. We ask for continued support and compassion as Ryan focuses on his family and his health at this time,” Chavez said in a statement.
Lt. Chris Coulter told USA Today that Garcia was given a court date, and the case will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office for consideration of formal charges. However, Coulter mentioned that he was unaware of the specific court date.
According to TMZ, Ryan’s arrest follows a welfare check at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Wednesday (June 5). Police responded to a call after a family member prompted concerns. Although he appeared fine during the check, the professional boxer was reportedly seen acting out moments later. Subsequently, the hotel prohibited him from further drinking.
In May, Ryan made headlines when his B sample, collected before his April 20th match with Devin Haney, returned positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Daily Mail reports that the 25-year-old tested positive for Ostarine, a prohibited substance.
The Voluntary Ani-Doping Association (VADA) conducted tests on Garcia’s samples. His surprising victory over Haney stunned the boxing world. The presence of steroids in Ryan’s system is speculated to account for the extraordinary power behind his punches. Garcia managed to score three knockdowns against Haney.
