POWAY, California (BNO NEWS) -- San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman has been arrested and charged with battery after allegedly attacking TV hostess Tila Nguyen, who is internationally known as Tila Tequila.

At approximately 3.45 a.m. local time on Sunday, San Diego Sheriff's deputies responded to a disturbance call from a woman who claimed to have been choked and restrained by a male.

Upon arrival at the 12,000 block of Sage Crest Drive in Poway, "Tequila" told deputies she had been choked and physically restrained by Merriman when she attempted to leave his residence. "Tequila" then signed a citizen's arrest at the scene, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment.

"Tequila" was transported to Pomerado Hospital while Merriman was taken into custody, said Jan Caldwell, a spokesman for the San Diego Sheriff's Department.