A member of the Pitt football team was arrested Sunday evening and faces charges due to his alleged involvement in a domestic incident that occurred in the 2300 block of East Hills Drive.
Allegheny Court documents show that junior defensive lineman Dayon Hayes has been charged with one count of simple assault. A Pitt source confirmed to the Post-Gazette that Hayes was involved in the alleged incident.
“The incident involving Dayon Hayes is incredibly disappointing and concerning,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said in a statement. “I take all disciplinary matters very seriously, and that is especially the case with situations of this kind. Our players know they are accountable for their actions, both on and off the field. I’ve conveyed this to Dayon, who will be immediately subject to team disciplinary measures in addition to any legal consequences that may arise. The details of that discipline will remain a private matter.”
A criminal complaint states that an argument between Hayes and his alleged victim — who is his girlfriend and the mother of his child — started Sunday afternoon after Hayes slammed a door shut. Police say a 911 call taker could hear what appeared to be a “struggle over the phone,” while a female was also telling a male to "get out” as they were en route to the call.
The complaint says Hayes — who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 275 pounds — doused the alleged victim with bleach and grabbed a “full fist” of her hair, but the victim was able to free herself because she was wearing a wig. Hayes then allegedly forced the victim’s head to the surface of the wall while managing to hold her there.
Hayes then exited the room and refused to allow the alleged victim to do the same, attempting to shut the door of the room she was in. The alleged victim says she placed her foot within the frame of the door so that it could not be shut all of the way. Hayes then allegedly slammed the door on the victim’s right thigh.
Officers who responded to the scene say they observed a red strip which began its swelling stage on the inside of the victim’s thigh, as well as a bruise on the outside of her left hand. The criminal complaint says Hayes then left the apartment. A warrant for Hayes’ arrest was issued shortly after.
Hayes was arrested just hours later. He was released on non-monetary bail after a Sunday evening arraignment. Court records did not list an attorney as of Monday morning. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 22.
A Pittsburgh native, Hayes was a standout at Westinghouse, establishing himself as one of the City League’s most heralded recruits in at least two decades. The highly touted recruit helped the Panthers secure an ACC title last season, playing in all 14 games as a primary reserve at defensive end, where he totaled 16 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Due to injuries, Hayes has appeared in just five games this season for the Panthers, tallying seven total tackles.
Staff writer Megan Guza contributed.
First Published: November 7, 2022, 2:07 p.m.