COSTA MESA - Popular Mixed Martial Arts fighter, and recently dethroned champion, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, was arrested in Newport Beach Tuesday afternoon following a police pursuit that included at least one collision with another car and several pedestrians nearly being run over.
Acccording to police, a Costa Mesa Motor Officer observed Jackson weaving in and out of traffic in his Ford F-250 pick-up truck while traveling southbound near the intersection of Newport Blvd. and Broadway. The officer also reported that Jackson had a flat front tire and was talking on his cell phone at the time.
The officer attempted to pull Jackson over but Jackson continued south down 17th street, continuing to weave through traffic in an apparent attempt to allude the officer.
Jackson crossed over the raised median of the boulevard at Cabrillo Avenue before losing control and careening up on to the sidewalk, nearly mowing down several pedestrians, said Costa Mesa police Lt. Paul Dondero.
Jackson regained control but then continued southbound in the northbound lanes of Newport Blvd.
As the pursuit continued, Jackson collided with a vehicle in the intersection of 17th street and ran several red lights before his left tire began to disintegrate as he crossed the Pacific Coast Highway overpass toward Balboa Penninsula.
Despite the loss of his tire, Jackson remained persistent in his flight, running several more red lights and “causing pedestrians to flee in terror”, according to police.
Jackson eventually stopped at 18th St. and Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach where he was taken into custody by Costa Mesa police without incident. It did not appear that alcohol played a role in the incident, said Lt. Dondero.
Police reported that Jackson was being held in Orange County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail and further reports indicate Jackson has posted said bail and been released.
Charges include Felony Evading, Reckless Driving and Hit and Run. Police also believe that Jackson had been involved in two other collisions on the southbound 55 freeway prior to the pursuit through Newport Beach.
Jackson was the UFC light-heavyweight champion until recently when he lost in an upset to Forrest Griffin.
