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Ex-Chargers linebacker’s SUV plunges over cliff

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Tire tracks on the sand showed Monday where Junior Seau’s sport utility vehicle plunged over a cliff hours after the former San Diego Chargers linebacker was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.

Seau, 41, who retired this year from the New England Patriots, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, according to the Carlsbad Police Department.

Police received an emergency call about 8:42 a.m. Monday about a vehicle veering off the road on Carlsbad Boulevard at Solamar Avenue. Late Monday, Carlsbad police said their investigation showed that Seau may have been asleep at the wheel when his Cadillac SUV left the roadway and plunged off a sandy bluff.

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“There were no signs of alcohol or drugs involved, and it is believed that Seau fell asleep at the wheel,” according to a statement released by the Carlsbad Police Department.

Authorities would not comment on whether the incident was related to Seau’s arrest hours earlier or caused by something else. He was arrested at 12:20 a.m. in Oceanside on suspicion of assaulting his live-in girlfriend.

In a statement, Oceanside police said the 25-year-old victim sustained minor injuries during an argument and she did not require medical treatment.

Seau was not at the home when police arrived.

“Seau called the victim while police were on scene and spoke to the officers; he agreed to return to the home,” Carlsbad police said.

Seau drove back to the scene shortly after midnight and was arrested there without incident, police said. Seau was booked into Vista Detention Facility and released after posting bail.

A college All-American at USC and a 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker, Seau played 13 seasons with the Chargers and three seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

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Seau retired for a short time before signing with the New England Patriots. He announced his retirement at the end of last season.

andrew.blankstein@latimes.com

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