BREAKING: Athens-Clarke County Police Secure Warrant for Jalen Carter
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ATHENS - Athens-Clarke County Police have issued an arrest warrant for former Georgia Bulldogs DL Jalen Carter.
The ACC Police released this statement on Wednesday about Carter.
“As a result of the ongoing investigation into the January 15, 2023 fatal crash that occurred in the 900 block Barnett Shoals Road, the Athens Clarke-Country Police Department has secured arrest warrants for Jalen Carter, 21, for Reckless Driving and Racing.”
Carter was set to talk with the media at the NFL Combine on Wednesday. ACC Police added that they had referred the case to the Solicitor General’s Office. ACC Police added that LeCroy was driving at nearly twice the legal limit at the time of the crash.
Later Wednesday, Carter acknowledged speaking with the police, and that he would return to Athens to "make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented."
“This morning I received a telephone call from the Athens Georgia police department informing me that two misdemeanor warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing,” Carter said on social media. "It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanor charges against me and to 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.”
According to FanDuel, Carter has has +3,500 odds to be the first player selected in the 2023 NFL Draft in April.
UGA coach Kirby Smart issued a statement Wednesday regarding the warrent being issued for Carter:
“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. We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while supporting these families and assessing what we can learn from this horrible tragedy.”
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More from the Athens-Clarke County statement:
“The investigation found the Chandler LeCroy, driver of the 2021 Ford Expedition and Jalen Carter, driver of a 201 Jeep Trackhawk, were operating their vehicles in a manner consistent shortly after leaving the downtown Athens area at about 2:30 AM. The evidence demonstrated both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists and drove at high rates of speed in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other. Evidence indicated that shortly before the crash the Expedition was traveling at about 104 miles per hour. The toxicology report indicated that LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the crash. Investigators determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash.”
The Sunday after the crash both UGA and Kirby Smart issued statments about the crash:
UGA issued this statement the Sunday morning after the wreck:
“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy. Two other members of the football program were injured in the accident. They are both in stable condition, and we will continue to monitor their status with medical personnel.
“Devin and Chandler were two special people who meant so much to the University of Georgia, our football program and our athletic department. We ask that everyone keep their families in your prayers during this very difficult time.
“The UGA Athletic Association will work with our medical team as well as our mental health and performance personnel to make sure we are providing the best support possible for our staff and student-athletes who are processing this grief. We can provide no further comment at this time but ask that everyone continue to keep those involved in your prayers.”
Georgia coach Kirby Smart issued a statement Sunday morning on the tragedy:
“We are all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy. Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, was a great teammate and a joy to coach. Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and brought an incredible attitude and energy every single day. We grieve with their families for this tragic loss and will support them in every way possible.”