Ex-PBA import Cornley arrested for allegedly punching cop

Jamelle Cornley vs James Yap. PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Former PBA import Jamelle Cornley was arrested after allegedly hitting a police officer Wednesday morning.

Cornley, the forefront of Rain or Shine’s title run in the 2012 PBA Governors’ Cup, was brought to the Quezon City Police District Station 10 after allegedly punching Police Officer 2 Armando Lazatin inside Sir William’s Hotel on Timog Avenue.

Cornley was said to be livid and causing damage to the hotel’s properties after claiming that three women stole $1,400 or amounting to P60,000 from his wallet which prompted the hotel’s management to call the police.

Lazatin, who was reportedly rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center after being knocked down on his back, responded and allegedly tried to pacify the six-foot-five forward but to no avail.

“Yun pong pulis ko sinapok niya na ngayon po under critical condition kasi ho nabali ho yung likod (A member of our force was in critical condition due to a back injury),” said chief Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo Jr. in an interview with dzIQ Radyo Inquirer 990AM. “Hindi nga po natin maintindihan kung lango sa alak o lango sa droga. Hindi rin po gumagalang sa pulis (We don’t know if he was drunk or high on drugs. He’s not respecting the police).”

Pedrozo said the hotel’s  computers and glass door were allegedly damaged by the PBA import.

Cornley denied the allegations against him saying that he did not punch but instead “shoved” Lazatin.

“I asked him to relax and not grab me, repeatedly, several times he continued and in which he grabbed me the last time. I shoved him and essentially he fell on his back and quote unquote he was injured,” said the one-time PBA best import.

Cornley will be facing charges of alarm and scandal, malicious mischief, direct assault and resisting arrest.