Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer was arrested Wednesday on aggravated assault charges in connection with two altercations at his home in July involving a woman and an 18-month-old child.

PHOENIX — The Arizona Cardinals say they first learned of the domestic abuse accusations against backup running back Jonathan Dwyer on Wednesday afternoon.

By evening, citing “the serious nature of these allegations,” the team had deactivated Dwyer from all team activities.

The quick reaction came with the backdrop of intense criticism of the NFL’s handling of a spate of such cases.

Dwyer, led to the jail in handcuffs on Wednesday, was charged with three counts, including “aggravated assault causing a fracture” involving the unidentified 27-year-old victim.

Police said they were carrying out a search warrant of Dwyer’s residence in pursuit of more evidence.

The 25-year-old player denied committing any assault, police said.

Authorities depicted a stormy relationship between Dwyer and the woman that escalated into violence on July 21.

Neighbors heard a fight and called police, who showed up at the residence but left without making an arrest because Dwyer hid in the bathroom, and the woman said she was the only one at the home, Sgt. Trent Crump said.

“She said she was in an argument on the phone only,” Crump said.