Former Nebraska wrestler AJ Ferrari wanted in alleged assault of pregnant woman

LINCOLN, Neb. —

Former Nebraska wrestler AJ Ferrari is wanted by Lancaster County authorities on allegations that he assaulted a pregnant woman.

Ferrari is facing three felony charges, including false imprisonment and assault by strangling a pregnant woman.

According to an arrest affidavit, the mother of a woman called Lincoln Police in May to alert them about the woman asking for help. The woman was at an apartment with AJ Ferrari, according to prosecutors.

Ferrari and the woman allegedly got into an argument that escalated. According to the arrest affidavit, Ferrari dragged the woman off the bed. The woman allegedly started kicking him due to concerns that she was pregnant and feared she was going to hit the floor.

Ferrari allegedly strangled the woman. According to prosecutors, she attempted to contact her mother, but Ferrari followed her and allegedly laid on top of her until she apologized.

According to the arrest affidavit, the woman attempted to leave, but Ferrari followed her, dragging her back into the apartment. The woman was able to contact her mother, but Ferrari allegedly took her phone and hung up the call.

According to the arrest affidavit, the woman was transported to the hospital, where she had injuries that were consistent with being strangled.

On June 26, the Nebraska State Patrol arrested AJ Ferrari on multiple charges, including flight to avoid arrest and willful reckless driving. Troopers said he ran from a traffic stop near North Platte. A pursuit ensued, with Ferrari allegedly running on foot, but he was taken into custody.

Ferrari spent his 2025-2026 season with Nebraska but entered the transfer portal.