Updated at 21.30
POLICE IN ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico are working on an arrest warrant for Mixed Martial Arts star Jon Jones.
The controversial Ultimate Fighting Championship athlete is a suspect in a hit-and-run incident, which happened yesterday morning. According to the Albuquerque Police Department, a pregnant woman in her 20s was injured.
It later emerged the woman suffered a broken arm and police say the charge has now elevated from misdemeanor to felony for leaving the scene of an accident.
Earlier, an APD statement said: “The Albuquerque Police Department is actively seeking UFC fighter Jon Jones for questioning in regards to his possible involvement in a hit-and-run accident, near the intersection of Juan Tabo and Southern, in Southeast Albuquerque. A pregnant female in her 20s, who was the driver of a separate vehicle, was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.
“Officers attempted to contact Mr Jones at his residence Sunday evening, but were unsuccessful. We have also reached out to his lawyer, but as of now, have not heard back. The Albuquerque Police Department is asking Mr Jones to please contact us as we continue to investigate.”
Simon Drobik, an APD spokesperson, confirmed to MMAFighting.com that the UFC light-heavyweight champion is a suspect: “Yes, he is the suspect and we’re hoping that he will contact us to give us his side of the story.”
Marc Raimondi of MMAFighting.com has also reported that marijuana and a marijuana pipe were found in the vehicle — a rented car — after the suspect fled the scene. The car also contained ’paperwork belonging to a Jonathan Jones, which had MMA information on it from the state of Nevada’, according to the police report.
According to MMAjunkie.com, Jones has been placed at the scene by a witness. No arrest warrant has been issued but Jones will have four weeks to show in court. Should he fail to do so, a warrant will be issued for his arrest.
The situation certainly doesn’t bode well for Jones’ forthcoming title defence against Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson, which is scheduled as the main event at UFC 187 in Las Vegas on 23 May.
However, no reference to the possible cancellation of the bout was made in a statement released by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which reads: “We are aware that the Albuquerque Police Department is interested in speaking to Jon Jones regarding his possible involvement in a motor vehicle accident. We are in the process of gathering facts and will reserve further comment until more information is available.”
Back in January, Jones entered a drug-treatment facility — for one night, according to his mother — after testing positive for cocaine use prior to his UFC 182 win against Daniel Cormier.
The 27-year-old was also fined $1,000 and had his driving licence suspended for six months in May 2012, having pled guilty to DUI charges after crashing into a pole.
First published at 10.51
