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Report: Pirates prospect suspected of drunk driving in crash that killed three in Dominican Republic

Top Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Oneil Cruz was reportedly arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after a car crash that killed three people in the Dominican Republic on Monday.

Dominican prosecutors, according to a report from ESPN, allege that Cruz was under the influence of alcohol when the car he was driving hit a motorcycle in the Peravia province. Cruz, 21, could face up to five years in prison if convicted.

Reports earlier Tuesday indicated the crash killed all three people — a 23-year-old, a 20-year-old and a 19-year-old — who were on the motorcycle and occurred after the country’s curfew.

In a statement the Pirates issued to The Athletic Tuesday, the team acknowledged the accident and said Cruz is cooperating with authorities.

“The Pirates are aware of the tragic accident in the Dominican Republic involving Oneil Cruz. We have been in contact with Oneil and he is cooperating fully with the local authorities. We will provide an update as more information becomes available.”

Cruz, a 6-foot-7 shortstop, is the No. 3 prospect in Pittsburgh’s system according to MLB Pipeline. A hearing in the case is expected Wednesday.

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 24: Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz (61) during the MLB Spring Training game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees on February 24, 2020 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Icon Sportswire)
Oneil Cruz is suspected of drunk driving in a crash that killed three in the Dominican Republic. (Photo by Icon Sportswire)

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