[Breaking News] Nick Hogan Arrested for Car Crash

From myfoxtampabay.com:

CLEARWATER - More than two months after speeding through the streets of Clearwater, Nick Bollea -- better known to some as Nick Hogan, the son of professional wrestler Hulk Hogan -- has been arrested in connection with the violent crash that left a passenger fighting for his life.

It was back on August 26 when Nick's yellow Toyota Supra veered out of control and slammed backwards into a palm tree on Court Street in Clearwater. The 17-year-old was not badly hurt, but passenger John Graziano -- a 22-year-old Marine combat veteran -- had to be cut from the car and remains hospitalized.

Wednesday, Clearwater police issued a warrant for Nick on felony charges of reckless driving involving serious bodily injury. He turned himself in just before 10 a.m.

In the days after the accident, officers and witnesses both told FOX 13 that speed seemed to be a factor in the crash. But detectives took their time conducting the investigation, and the state attorney's office did not file charges until now.

This morning's arrest report included new details about the crash. Detectives believe Nick was racing a second vehicle before the crash at speeds of over 60 mph though the 40-mph zone, which was wet from recent rains.

While investigators concluded that the actions of the other car's driver were not a contributing factor in the crash, that driver, Daniel Jacobs, is being issued a summons to appear in court for reckless driving charges.

Police also cited Nick for having a blood alcohol level of .02 or higher. Any BAC above 0.00 would be illegal for the 17-year-old.

The allegations of racing, even before today's arrest, were not a surprise to those who knew Nick as a racer who enjoyed drifting, a style of driving that involves high-speed skidding and sliding.

Nick talked about his need for speed in a pre-crash interview with Rides Magazine. He described a trip from Miami to Tampa during which he was pulled over three times for driving over 100 miles an hour, though he was not actually cited until the third time.

In April, Nick was ticketed for speeding 107 mph in Osceola County. And two weeks before the Clearwater crash, Nick was pulled over in Pinellas Park. Officers scolded him for driving 82 in a 45-mph zone.

At the time of the crash, Nick was driving with a restricted license that only allowed him to drive during the day. Graziano, a former member of Nick's racing pit crew, was in the passenger seat but not wearing a seat belt.

In a post-arrest statement released through a showbiz rep, the Bollea family reiterated that fact.

"The tragedy to both families is compounded by the fact that unfortunately John was not wearing his seatbelt," the statement to TMZ.com said. "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."

Through their attorney, the Graziano family has said they are considering a lawsuit against the Bolleas. John is said to have suffered severe brain injuries and will likely require specialized care for the rest of his life.