Jon Jones, the UFC light heavyweight champion widely regarded as the No1 pound-for-pound fighter in mixed martial arts, is wanted for questioning by Albuquerque police in relation to a hit-and-run accident in which a pregnant woman was hospitalized on Sunday morning.
“We’re just trying to get in touch with him to ask him some questions,” an Albuquerque Police Department spokesperson told the Guardian on Monday. “For whatever reason he hasn’t made contact with us. We’re not really sure where it’s going to go from here.”
Witnesses told police that Jones fled the crash, returned shortly after to grab “a large handful of cash” then ran from the scene, according to the crash report. Police found marijuana and a pipe in the car along with rental car paperwork in Jones’ name.
Police officials had first confirmed Sunday they were actively seeking Jones in connection with the accident, in which a pregnant woman in her 20s driving another vehicle was sent to a local hospital with minor injuries.
“Officers attempted to contact Mr. Jones at his residence Sunday evening, but were unsuccessful,” police officials said in a statement. “We have also reached out to his lawyer, but as of now, have not heard back.”
Jones, one of the UFC’s biggest stars, is scheduled to defend his title against Anthony Johnson on 23 May at UFC 187.
“We are aware that the Albuquerque Police Department is interested in speaking to Jon Jones regarding his possible involvement in a motor vehicle accident,” the UFC said in a statement on Sunday night. “We are in the process of gathering facts and will reserve further comment until more information is available.”
The 27-year-old from New York tested positive for cocaine one month before his 3 January title defense against Daniel Cormier in Las Vegas. While the Nevada Athletic Commission and the UFC were aware of the result prior to the fight, the bout went on as scheduled.
Bob Bennett, executive director of the NAC called the result an “anomaly” and rejected the notion the commission deliberately concealed to results to preserve the card.
Shortly after the failed drug test, Jones checked into a New Mexico rehab center. He reportedly left after one night.
In May 2012, Jones pled guilty to a misdemeanor DWI charge after crashing his Bentley into a telephone pole in upstate New York.
Jones, nicknamed Bones, became the youngest champion in UFC history when he captured the 205lb title in March 2011 at 23.
