Video Surfaces of Cops Using Taser on NFL Free Agent Malik McDowell in Gas Station Fight

A few months back, former Michigan State standout and NFL free agent Malik McDowell was involved in a violent altercation with police that led to the athlete being tased.

McDowell was stopped by Lathrup Village, Michigan police in February for allegedly speeding through the city, TMZ reports. Authorities ordered McDowell to take a seat in his vehicle during the stop, which took place at the gas station. When approached by the police, McDowell explained to the officer that he would not hand over his license until he got an opportunity to speak to the officer's supervisor.

The officer then informed McDowell that he'd either have to hand over the information or be detained. After the conversation hit a stalemate, McDowell exited his vehicle to enter the store. At this point, the cop attempted to physically restrain him to no avail.

As video at TMZ shows, once they were in the shop, the officer continued to try to apprehend McDowell. The two struggled throughout the store, leading the cop to warn McDowell several times that he would be tased if he kept resisting. Eventually, the officer pulled out his taser and ordered McDowell to lay on his stomach. McDowell decided to sit upright and ask for the officer's supervisor. This resulted in the 23-year-old being tased. Yet, after being hit, McDowell removed the prongs from his body and attempted to restrain the cop. After disarming the officer, McDowell was detained by the responding officer and his backup.

The entire altercation was captured by both the squad car's camera and the store's surveillance system. Per reports obtained by TMZ, McDowell "had a strong odor of intoxicants emanating from his persons" and a blood alcohol content of .189, more than double the legal limit. McDowell was charged with two counts of felony assaulting and resisting, one misdemeanor count of operating while intoxicated, and a misdemeanor for driving on a suspended license.