Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who is expected to be one of the top players in next month’s NFL draft, has been charged with reckless driving and speeding in connection with the accident that killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and a recruiting clerk.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department issued an arrest warrant, obtained by The Associated Press Wednesday, alleging that Carter drove his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk into the 2021 Ford Expedition, which was being driven by 24-year-old recruiter Chandler LeCroy who led the expedition. after the wreck of January 15.
Carter was in Indianapolis on Wednesday for the NFL Scouting Combine and, according to Lt. Shaun Barnett of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
“I understand that Mr. Carter is making arrangements to turn himself in,” Barnett told the AP in an email.
The accident came just hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second consecutive national championship with a parade and ceremony.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart expressed concern about the allegations in a statement released Wednesday.
“The charges announced today are deeply troubling, especially as we continue to struggle to come to terms with the devastating loss of two loved ones in our community,” said Smart.
“We will continue to cooperate fully with authorities as we support these families and reflect on what we can learn from this terrible tragedy.”
According to the warrant, the Athens police investigation found that LeCroy and Carter were driving their vehicles “in a manner consistent with racing” after leaving central Athens at around 2:30 a.m.
The warrant says there is evidence that the vehicles changed lanes, entered the center exit lane, entered opposite lanes, passed other motorists and were traveling at high speed “in an apparent attempt to overtake each other”.
Police determined that LeCroy’s expedition was traveling at approximately 104 miles per hour just before the crash. The warrant states that LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.197 at the time of the crash. The legal limit in Georgia is 0.08.
Police said in January that Willock was in the back seat of LeCroy’s vehicle and was not wearing a seat belt, while LeCroy was wearing a shoulder and lap belt.
Willock (20) was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. LeCroy was taken to a hospital where she died.
Offensive lineman Warren McClendon, who had just announced he would be drafted into the NFL, suffered minor injuries. Georgia soccer star Victoria Bowles has been hospitalized with serious injuries. Both were passengers in LeCroy’s vehicle.
Georgia Department of Sports officials said on Jan. 28 that the vehicle driven by LeCroy is expected to be used only for recruiting activities and not for personal use.
Source: LA Times