Bears' Edwards facing assault charges in North Carolina

Chicago Bears defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. faces assault charges against a woman stemming from an incident that occurred on Oct. 17 in Charlotte, North Carolina - the night before the Bears played the Carolina Panthers.

According to an incident report filed with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and obtained by Shaw Media, Edwards was involved in a fight that occurred at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown hotel in downtown Charlotte.

Officers responded just after midnight on Oct. 18 "in reference to a female hitting a male with her hand and scratching his forehead."

Edwards, 26, and an unnamed 28-year-old woman are both listed as the victim in the police report. Edwards and the woman both reported bruises and scratches.

A criminal summons for "assault on a female" was issued for Edwards on Oct. 20 and a restraining order was filed Nov. 9, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office website. The sheriff's office could not immediately be reached Tuesday for more information.

About 12 hours after the police arrived on the scene, Edwards suited up against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. He recorded one sack that day.

Edwards played for the Bears as recently as Sunday, when he had two sacks against the Houston Texans at Soldier Field. The Bears signed Edwards in September after he was cut by the New Orleans Saints after training camp.

TMZ first reported the incident. According to the TMZ report, the woman claims Edwards became violent with her after she rebuffed his sexual advances.

Pro Football Talk reported that the NFL is investigating the matter as well.

Edwards' agent Peter Schaffer did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Shaw Media, but he reportedly told NBC Sports Chicago that Edwards "was the victim" and denied the allegations against Edwards.