Longtime UFC veteran Tim "Dirty Bird" Means was arrested in Albuquerque early Monday morning following a domestic dispute involving his teenage daughter. Police officers responded to a call at the residence where they discovered the professional fighter had allegedly engaged in a violent physical altercation with the minor.
According to the formal criminal complaint filed by local authorities, the incident escalated when Means allegedly headbutted and punched the young girl. The victim also reported to investigators that her father choked her during the struggle, leading to visible injuries and significant pain around her neck and throat area.
Responding officers documented distinct hand marks and clear signs of strangulation on the teenager's body during their initial investigation at the scene. They also noted a bizarre detail in the police report involving a potato being thrown with force at the victim's head during the height of the confrontation.
Means has been a prominent staple of the UFC’s welterweight division for over a decade and has competed in more than 50 professional bouts. This arrest marks a significant legal challenge for the veteran athlete as he faces multiple serious domestic violence charges in New Mexico.
The Albuquerque Police Department took the professional fighter into custody without further incident at the scene of the alleged crime. He is currently being held in a local detention facility as legal proceedings begin to determine the full extent of the criminal charges brought against him.
As of Monday morning, the UFC organization has not yet released an official statement regarding the current status of Means' promotional contract. Fans and fellow mixed martial arts fighters have expressed deep shock on social media platforms as details of the disturbing allegations continue to emerge.
Domestic violence experts emphasize that signs of strangulation are considered extremely high-risk indicators in criminal cases involving physical assault. Local authorities are continuing their thorough investigation to ensure all physical evidence from the residence is properly collected and processed for upcoming court hearings.
The teenage daughter is reportedly receiving medical attention and professional support services following the traumatic event that occurred at her home. Further court dates for the fighter known as the "Dirty Bird" are expected to be scheduled later this week in New Mexico.