Nov 8, 2007, 12:30 GMT
Hulk Hogan's son Nick has been arrested and charged with reckless driving following his August car crash.
Nick Hogan - Hollywood, CA © Chris Hatcher / Photorazzi
Nick Bollea, 17 - the son of Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Bollea - turned himself into police yesterday (07.11.07) on a charge of reckless driving involving serious bodily injury and is expected to be tried as an adult.
A statement from Florida's Clearwater police said: "Based on the evidence and witness testimony, investigators have concluded that Bollea was operating his vehicle recklessly at the time of the crash and caused serious bodily injury to his passenger John Graziano."
Nick was allegedly racing his Toyota Supra against a Dodge Viper Coupe - doing 60mph in a 40mph zone - when he lost control and smashed into a palm tree on August 26.
Graziano was critically injured in the crash and remains hospitalised.
Nick Bollea's attorneys, Morris 'Sandy' Weinberg Jr. and Kevin Hayslett, have released the following statement: "Nick and the entire 'Hogan' Bollea family are saddened that criminal charges have been filed. Nick will meet and answer these charges in the appropriate arena - a court of law. The family's primary focus and concern still remains for the continued recovery of Nick's long-time friend John Graziano. The Bolleas will also continue to stand by the Graziano family and help them in any way they can.
"The tragedy to both families is compounded by the fact that unfortunately John was not wearing his seatbelt. Thankfully, Nick was wearing his. Because of what happened to John, the entire Bollea family will make it a priority to increase public awareness about the importance of always wearing your seatbelt.
"Because Nick is still a juvenile and has no prior criminal record, we are disappointed that he is being charged as an adult offender. However, we are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that this was an accident. We ask all who follow these events to keep an open mind as to the facts until they have been ultimately determined."
Nick, who Clearwater police claim was drinking on the night of the crash, also faces charges of using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony, a person under the age of 21 operating a vehicle with a breath-alcohol level of .02 or higher and having and illegal window tint.
Daniel Jacobs, the driver Nick was reportedly racing against, has been issued with a summons to appear in court for reckless driving. Police concluded he was not the direct cause of the accident.
(C) BANG Media International
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