LOS ANGELES (Feb. 4, 2006) -- Former National Football League defensive back Darryll Lamont Lewis, who was arrested for allegedly evading police during a 30-minute car chase in November, was ruled competent to stand trial.
Superior Court Judge Drew Edwards on Friday reinstated criminal hearings in two separate cases against Lewis, who played 10 years in the NFL for the Houston Oilers and San Diego Chargers before ending his career in 2000. The proceedings were suspended after defense attorney Rayford Fountain said he doubted that his client could remember events sufficiently to assist him in preparing a defense.
Lewis, 37, was arrested in November after he led California Highway Patrol officers on a pursuit. The car was finally stopped outside Lewis' parents' home in West Covina. TV footage showed Lewis dragging five officers as they attempted to subdue him. The officers finally forced him to the ground and arrested him.
Lewis, who was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl in 1995, was charged with evading arrest, felony possession of a controlled substance and three misdemeanors for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and possession of a smoking device. He remains in custody on $500,000 bail.
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