Junior Seau (PICTURES): Former NFL Star Linebacker Allegedly Hit 25-Year-Old Girlfriend

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) Former NFL star linebacker Junior Seau, who police say drove off a cliff in Southern California roughly six hours after being arrested on domestic violence charges, allegedly assaulted his 25-year-old girlfriend, says TMZ.

PICTURES: Junior Seau Car Crash, Arrest

Carlsbad police say the 12-time Pro Bowler's Cadillac SUV plunged off an oceanside cliff in Carlsbad, Calif., about 30 miles north of San Diego, and was found on the beach 30 feet down the cliff, but appears to have escaped serious injury.

San Diego sheriff's Lt. Phil Brust says Seau was released from jail around 3:30 a.m., about five hours before the crash. According to gossip website TMZ, Seau was arrested around 2 a.m. on charges of domestic violence, although Carlsbad police would not confirm details of the arrest.

Police Lt. Paul Mendez says Seau was conscious after the crash and the extent of his injuries remains unclear.

Seau played for the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots before retiring after last season.