former UFC light heavyweight Quinton Jackson has been arrested in California and faces felony hit-and-run charges after allegedly attempting to flee police.
The Costa Mesa Police Department has released additional details regarding the series of events leading to Jackson's arrest.
According to a press release, "Rampage" ignored an officer's directions to pull over and continued "weaving in and out of traffic" while forcing "pedestrians to flee for their lives" as he continued "running several red lights."
Jackson, who was allegedly driving a large pick-up truck that's adorned with his own image, continued operating the vehicle even after a tire rubber disintegrated underneath it (see exclusive photos below), according to the release.
The full release states:
A Motor Officer was monitoring traffic at the intersection of Newport Blvd and Broadway. He saw Jackson driving [south] bound weaving in and out of traffic, with a flat front left tire (and) speaking on his cell phone. The Motor Officer activated his lights and siren and initiated a traffic stop. Jackson ignored the Motor Officer and continued south bound on 17th weaving in and out of traffic to avoid being stopped.
Jackson drove over the raised center portion of the roadway at Cabrillo Ave. He lost control and drove up onto the sidewalk causing pedestrians to flee for their lives. Jackson regained control and continued southbound in the northbound lanes of Newport Blvd. As he crossed through the intersection with 17th St, he collided with a vehicle legally in the intersection. Jackson continued south bound on Newport Blvd running several red lights. The rubber from his left tire began to disintegrate at the PCH overpass. Jackson continued southbound onto the Balboa Peninsula running several more red lights, causing pedestrians to flee in terror. Jackson’s vehicle finally came to a stop at 18th St and Newport Blvd in the city of Newport Beach. Jackson was taken into custody by Costa Mesa Officers without incident.
Jackson was transported to the Costa Mesa City Jail and booked for; Felony Evading, Reckless Driving and Hit and Run. He was transported to the Orange County Jail and is being held in lieu of a $25,000.00 bail.
Prior to Motor Officer Barnes actions, Jackson had been involved in two separate collisions on the south bound 55 FWY. The CHP is taking those reports.
Jackson is a former Ultimate Fighting Champion title holder and fought under the name Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
According to Costa Mesa Police Lieutenant Paul Dondero, neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected to have played a role in today's events. Jackson was being held on $25,000 bail, though as we reported earlier today, UFC President Dana White is already in California with plans to bail him out of jail.
After being arrested for felony evading, hit-and-run and reckless driving, Jackson posted bail, which had been set at $25,000, overnight.
Jackson allegedly hit multiple cars during a short police chase Tuesday afternoon. He eventually pulled over and surrendered to police after traveling from Costa Mesa to Newport Beach in California. No injuries were reported.
According to a press release from the Costa Mesa Police Department, Jackson ignored an officer's directions to pull over and continued "weaving in and out of traffic" while forcing "pedestrians to flee for their lives" as he continued "running several red lights."
Police initially told MMAjunkie.com that neither drugs nor alcohol were suspected to have played a role in the incident.
UFC president Dana White arrived in California on Tuesday via private plane, presumably to post bail for Jackson.
Additionally, according to fiveouncesofpain.com, reports that Jackson has been hospitalized appear unfounded.