UFC’s Jon Jones released from custody after posting bail
UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is a fugitive no more.
The 27-year-old turned himself in to Albuquerque, N.M., police Monday night after an arrest warrant was issued for leaving the scene of an accident involving death or personal injuries Sunday morning.
According to the Bernalillo County inmate database, bond was set at $2,500. He entered custody at 5:30 p.m. MDT and was officially booked at 7:11. Jones posted bail and was released from custody just after 10 p.m.
A tweet from the police department Monday afternoon indicated arrangements had been made for the star mixed martial artist to surrender to police and answer to the charges.
The incident for which Jones was wanted occurred around 11:20 a.m. Sunday when a rented Buick SUV ran a red light and hit a car driven by a pregnant female, who has been identified as Vanessa Sonnenberg.
According to the police report on the accident, a man identified by a witness as Jones ran from the car after the accident only to briefly return to grab a handful of cash before fleeing again on foot.
Officers found paperwork in the car relating to mixed martial arts with Jones’ name as well as a pipe with marijuana inside of it.
The incident originally was reported as a misdemeanor, but Sonnenberg later was diagnosed with a broken arm and wrist. The injuries elevated charges against Jones to a potential felony.
She was scheduled for an ultrasound Monday to check on her pregnancy.
Officers said they were unsuccessful in attempts to contact Jones on Sunday evening by cellphone, at his house and through his representatives.
Jones is scheduled to defend his title against Anthony Johnson in the main event of UFC 187 on May 23 at the MGM Grand Garden. Despite multiple Internet reports claiming the fight had been canceled, UFC officials had not made an announcement as of Monday evening.
The UFC issued a statement Sunday night, declining further comment while the process is ongoing.
Johnson said on social media he has yet to hear of any plans to scrap the fight from the UFC.
“Despite all the rumors you have been hearing, they don’t stop me or keep me from being focused. Staying on my grind,” he posted on Facebook.
Jones lives and trains in Albuquerque at Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA. He is widely considered the top mixed martial artist in the world.
Both of Jones’ brothers play in the NFL. Chandler of the New England Patriots has not commented. Arthur, a defensive lineman for the Indianapolis Colts, posted on Twitter late Monday night.
“I appreciate the calls and texts,” he wrote. “But I’m asking everyone to respect my family’s privacy at this time. Let’s lift him up in our prayers.”
Jones has held the belt since 2011, though his title reign has not been free of controversy.
Jones pleaded guilty to driving under the influence after crashing his Bentley into a telephone poll in Binghamton, N.Y., in 2012. He was fined $1,000 and had his license suspended for six months.
He tested positive for cocaine in December 2014 when a test for the drug was mistakenly conducted by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Cocaine is not banned under the World Anti-Doping Agency code for athletes who are not in competition, so he avoided punishment from the NAC and was allowed to fight in January.
Jones was fined $25,000 by the UFC for violating the organization’s code of conduct. He entered a rehabilitation facility, though he reportedly left after one night.
Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj.
