"Top Chef" Season 9 winner Paul Qui was arrested this past weekend for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend while under the influence of several drugs.
The arrest took place early in the morning Saturday, March 19, in Austin, Texas, when the police received a call that said the 35-year-old champ and his girlfriend Stephanie Rodriguez were involved in a fight. When the cops arrived, Rodriguez explained the scary and disturbing interaction in vivid detail for the cops.
Law enforcement said that when they arrived, Qui had "blood all over his face, arms, legs and clothing" and that there was "blood smeared on the walls and the floor throughout the apartment." Rodriguez explained to the cops that Qui had allegedly been drinking, smoking marijuana, taking Xanax and doing cocaine in the apartment with his friends, but had kicked them out for apparently trying to flirt with her.
When she tried to leave with her young son, the chef blocked her path, "pushed her and her son away" and allegedly started throwing her against walls and doors. One officer said that he "could see a fresh cut on her right forearm and bruising on her upper arms from Qui grabbing on her and throwing her around the apartment" and that her right jaw was "slightly puffy and swollen."
The restaurant owner did admit to knocking over furniture and not allowing his girlfriend to leave, but only because he wanted her to still be there when cops arrived so they could see the damage in the apartment and so he could explain his side of the story. He was arrested on charges of unlawful restraint and assault causing bodily injury to a family member. He was released later on in the day on $20,000 bond.
Even though he was arrested and his girlfriend had clear marks on her, Qui released a statement with his side of the story, claiming he's innocent.
"On Saturday morning, I asked my friend to call the police to aid in an argument with my girlfriend that had escalated beyond my control," he said. "I was arrested and charged with two misdemeanors. I am innocent of the charge of assault."
Qui continued: "This situation made me realize that I need to take more time for my health and myself. I will be checking myself into a treatment facility in the coming days and I am appreciative of the support of my family, friends and partners. Thank you for respecting my privacy."
