Semyon Varlamov, starting goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche, was arrested Wednesday night for domestic violence-related charges, which included kidnapping, the Denver Police Department said.
Varlamov turned himself in to police around 6 p.m. and is being held without bond on second-degree kidnapping and third-degree assault charges, police said. The kidnapping charge is a Class 4 felony, punishable by to two to six years in prison, according Colorado statutes. Class 4 felony kidnapping is defined by taking someone and moving them to another place without their consent.
The assault charge is a misdemeanor.
Varlamov will remain in jail overnight because he cannot post bail due to the assault charge. Varlamov must first appear before a judge — he has a court date set for 10 a.m. Thursday morning.
Varlamov, prison officials said, is in a cell alone because of his celebrity. When reached at Denver's downtown detention center, he refused an interview with The Denver Post.
The police charges stem from an incident that happened at an undisclosed time Tuesday in the 1700 block of Bassett St., police said.
Colorado coach Patrick Roy, when reached by phone Wednesday night, had no comment.
The Avs issued a statement about the arrest:
“The Colorado Avalanche organization is aware of the allegations concerning Semyon Varlamov. At this time, and until the conclusion of this investigation, the Avalanche organization will have no further comment on this situation.”
After the Avs had Monday and Tuesday off, Varlamov was back at practice in Colorado Wednesday morning. He spoke to reporters afterward, with no mention of any pending charges.
Varlamov is 7-1 as a starting goalie this season for the Avs, his third season in Colorado. He is among the NHL leaders in goals-against average and save percentage this season.
The Avs are scheduled to play next on Friday, at Dallas against the Stars.