SANTA ANA, Calif. _ With the conclusion of a police investigation, prosecutors will decide whether to file charges against famed basketball player Dennis Rodman in an alleged hit-and-run accident, officials said Thursday.
The star player formerly known as "The Worm" has not been cited or arrested, said California Highway Patrol officer Florentino Olivera, but the agency recommended the Orange County District Attorney's office charge Rodman with felony hit-and-run and driving the wrong way on a freeway.
The potential charges stem from a 12:30 a.m. July 20 Santa Ana crash in which a black BMW sedan traveled south in the carpool lane on the 5 freeway. Officials allege Rodman was driving a white luxury SUV north in the southbound carpool lane.
The driver of the BMW swerved to avoid a head-on collision and hit the highway's center divider. According to the CHP, the BMW driver told CHP officers that, after a brief conversation, Rodman got back in his SUV and headed southbound. Rodman did not exchange information with the BMW driver, Olivera said.
Rodman could face felony hit-and-run charges and an additional charge for driving in the wrong direction.
A passenger in the BMW complained of pain. It was unclear whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the incident.
