SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Wander Franco, the shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, was involved in an armed confrontation in a parking area of the Dominican Republic’s countryside over the weekend, leading to his arrest, according to local police reports released on Monday.

Police spokesman Meregirdo Espinosa stated that the incident took place in San Juan de la Maguana, a location approximately 116 miles (187 kilometers) from Santo Domingo, the nation’s capital. Franco was taken into custody on Sunday, along with a man and a woman whose identities were not disclosed.

Espinosa indicated that some individuals involved in the dispute were armed, but further details about the exact nature of their involvement were not provided by authorities.

Franco, 23, is scheduled to appear in court on December 12 in Puerto Plata regarding a serious sexual abuse allegation involving a 14-year-old girl. He faces multiple charges, including sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor, as well as human trafficking.

Following his arrest connected to these allegations, he was released on conditional terms on January 5, just four days after the event.

Franco has refrained from making statements to the press, expressing that “Everything is in God’s hands” with respect to his legal situation.

His career in Major League Baseball came to an abrupt stop in August 2023, during what was meant to be his third season in the league. He had previously signed an impressive 11-year contract worth $182 million in November 2021.

On July 10, Tampa Bay placed him on the restricted list, leading to the cessation of his salary amidst the ongoing administrative leave due to these serious accusations.