Andrews was arrested Monday after the alleged incident that occurred at about 1 a.m. after he returned home and an argument began between him and his girlfriend, according to Gregg Miliote, director of communications for the Bristol County district attorney's office.

Andrews, a backup since being drafted by the Patriots in the last round in 2006, was charged with illegal possession of a large capacity firearm and assault with a dangerous weapon, Miliote said. He said Andrews was held without bail pending the results of a dangerousness hearing Thursday.

"The New England Patriots take the conduct of our players very seriously," the team said in a statement. "We are aware of the very disturbing and alarming reports regarding Willie Andrews. We will not offer any additional comment, as is our policy regarding pending legal matters."

In February, Andrews was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and driving an unregistered motor vehicle. In May, he admitted in court that there was enough evidence to convict him at trial but did not plead guilty.

In the latest incident, Andrews' girlfriend told police he waved his arm and the gun he was holding touched her temple, Miliote said. Police were called at 1:39 a.m. and Andrews was arrested about three hours later. About five hours after his arrest, at 9:45 a.m., the gun was found next to a trash receptacle by workers near the complex in which Andrews lived, Miliote said.

Andrews, 24, was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round out of Baylor. He played in 12 regular season games and three postseason games in 2007, almost exclusively on special teams, and scored his first NFL touchdown on a 77-yard kickoff return on Oct. 21 in a 49-28 win over Miami.

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