Jalen Carter, a top NFL Draft prospect, handed himself in to Athens, Georgia, police and was promptly let go, but he still has an April 18 court date due to his suspected involvement in a tragic vehicle accident.
According to police records, Carter was taken into custody at 11:33 p.m. on Wednesday and released from the Athens-Clarke County Prison at 11:49 p.m. without posting bond.
He is accused of careless driving and street racing, both misdemeanor offenses. In a statement released on Wednesday, Carter, 21, stated that he anticipates being “completely exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”The Athens-Clarke County Police Department announced Wednesday morning that an arrest warrant was issued for Carter in connection to the crash, which occurred Jan. 15 in Athens, hours after the Bulldogs participated in a parade to celebrate their national championship.
pic.twitter.com/NbqNfIytBm— Jalen Carter (@breadmanjalen) March 1, 2023
Former Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed in what police previously reported as a single-vehicle accident, but now appears to have involved two vehicles racing.
Police said investigators found that LeCroy, who drove a 2021 Ford Expedition, and Carter, who drove a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk, were operating their vehicles in a “manner consistent with racing” about 2:30 a.m. on the day of the crash.
Police also said evidence indicated that the Expedition was traveling at 104 mph before the crash. LeCroy had a blood alcohol concentration of .197% at the time of the crash, according to a toxicology report. The legal blood alcohol limit in Georgia for adults not operating a commercial vehicle is .08%.
“Investigators determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving, and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash,” police said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
