Yahoo Sports Charge Against Jon Jones Elevated to Felony
The situation involving UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones continues to develop at a rapid pace.
Initially being sought for questioning due to his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run car accident that could have seen him charged with a misdemeanor for Leaving the Scene of an Accident, the charge against Jones on Monday was elevated to a felony.
Jones was allegedly driving a rental car, ran a red light, and struck a vehicle driven by a 25-year-old pregnant woman. After causing the accident, Jones, who was identified as the driver by an off-duty police officer, fled the scene. The woman went to the hospital. Although her pregnancy was not believed to be threatened, she suffered a broken arm, according to Albuquerque police officer Tanner Tixier.
RELATED > Jon Jones Identified as Fleeing Accident, Marijuana in Vehicle
With the woman suffering an injury, the charge against Jones for leaving the scene was elevated from a misdemeanor to felony Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Officer Tixier informed MMAWeekly.com of the change in the charge and said that an warrant for Jones' arrest was being prepared.
Albuquerque, N.M. police have been trying to reach Jones since Sunday, but as of Monday afternoon, Officer Tixier said that there had not been any contact from Jones or anyone representing him.
Facing a felony charge certainly leaves everyone questioning whether or not the UFC's current 205-pound champion will remain in the UFC 187 main event, where he is supposed to defend his belt against Anthony Johnson. But as of the time of publication, UFC officials had not responded to a request for an updated response to Jones' situation.
RELATED > PDF of the Jon Jones Related Accident Report
The promotion's original statement, released Sunday evening before the charge was increased to that of a felony, said “we are in the process of gathering facts and will reserve further comment until more information is available.”
MMAWeekly.com will continue to follow the story as it develops.
