Wrestling Observer reports:
--UFC fighter Josh Neer was arrested at 12:40 a.m. last night in Des Moines after a car chase after Neer's car struck a police car. Police used stop sticks to flatten the tires of Neer's car and he was charged with a DUI and eluding police. Neer is scheduled to face Mac Danzig on the 2/7 UFC show in Tampa.
I'm a bit surprised we're not seeing this reported in more places as it's obviously a bit of a big deal in regards to his ability to fight Danzig or not in February. A normal DUI wouldn't lead to potential travel restrictions, but the eluding police as well as actually striking a police car? I guess we'll see what comes out of it but I've seen travel restrictions for less. Of course you can sometimes get work travel exceptions, but it's a bit of a heavy situation nonetheless.
Update:
Sherdog has more on the story:
Neer, 25, faces charges of Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, hit-and-run, eluding police and other traffic violations, according to Sgt. Jeff Phillips with the Des Moines Police Department. This was Neer’s second OWI offense. Eluding police is a felony charge.
...
Neer allegedly struck two vehicles –- the second of which was a police car -- and then led authorities on a 15-minute chase that reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.
“He hit a car with a driver in it that was behind a police car at a stop light,” said Sgt. David Coy.
...
Mickey Dubberly, Neer’s manager with KO Dynasty, said his client painted a different picture.
According to Dubberly, Neer said he struck a parked car, stopped to check it for damage, and continued on his way when he saw none. Dubberly said Neer panicked when an officer began to pursue his car.
After attempting a PIT maneuver, police reportedly deployed spike strips in an attempt to bring the pursuit to an end. Neer was arrested after blowing a tire.
Dubberly contends the arresting officers used unnecessary force during Neer’s apprehension. Dubberly said the athlete sustained bruises to his stomach, thighs, and head after officers kicked him repeatedly.
Kind of the last thing I wanted to see was unnecessary force charges. 100 MPH chases usually show an individual willing to engage in incredibly dangerous behavior. I'm thinking that Neer may not have been willing to go easily and it resulted in a bit of a violent arrest of course he is claiming that he was kicked repeatedly so I guess we'll see where this goes now.
