Police secure arrest warrant for NFL draft prospect Jalen Carter in connection to fatal crash

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has secured an arrest warrant for top NFL draft prospect Jalen Carter in connection with its investigation into the fatal crash in January that left a Georgia football player and recruiting staffer dead.

Police said in a news release Wednesday that they are seeking to arrest Carter for reckless driving and racing – both misdemeanor charges – as part of their investigation into the fatal crash that killed Georgia recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy and Devin Willock, an offensive lineman who was riding in her vehicle.

Carter and LeCroy were "operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing" prior to the crash, police said, and LeCroy's vehicle was traveling 104 miles per hour – more than double the posted speed limit of 40 mph.

Carter, a projected top-five pick in next month's draft, wrote in a statement on social media Wednesday afternoon that he would return to Georgia to face the charges and "make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented."

"There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing," Carter wrote in the statement.

Athens police spokesperson Shaun Barnett told USA TODAY Sports that the department had been in touch with Carter's representatives and the expectation was that he would turn himself in. Carter's agent did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.

"The charges announced today are deeply concerning, especially as we are still struggling to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community," Georgia football coach Kirby Smart said in a statement.

"We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while supporting these families and assessing what we can learn from this horrible tragedy."

The crash occurred at around 2:45 a.m. ET on Jan. 15 on a road south of Athens, Georgia, where the University of Georgia is located.

Police said Wednesday that the vehicles driven by LeCroy and Carter were switching between lanes, driving in opposite lanes and driving "at high rates of speed" in the leadup to the crash. LeCroy's vehicle, a 2021 Ford Expedition, hit two utility poles and two trees before coming to rest outside an apartment unit.

LeCroy had a blood alcohol concentration of .197 well above the legal limit in Georgia, which is .08.

"Investigators determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving, and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash," police said in the news release.

Two other passengers in LeCroy's vehicle sustained injuries: Georgia offensive lineman Warren McClendon, and recruiting staffer Victoria "Tory" Bowles.

Carter, 21, has been considered a potential top-five pick in next month's draft. According to an ESPN report, he was planning to participate in interviews at the NFL scouting combine this week but not work out for teams.

Contributing: Marc Weiszer of The Athens Banner-Herald

Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Carter, NFL draft prospect, wanted in connection to fatal crash