UFC legend BJ Penn is being investigated for possible drunk driving after flipping his automobile at high speed in Hawaii, as stated by police.
The distressed Hall of Famer was driving alone when he flipped his black Toyota Tacoma truck into an embankment off a highway in Hilo last Friday night, Hawaii Island police disclosed Wednesday.
The severe crash triggered several crisis calls — including one reporting that a”black truck speeding, losing control & flipped into the embankment,” police mentioned in a release.
The 41-year-old fighter, the actual name of Jay Dee Penn, was”taken to the hospital for immediate care, which was paramount for his safety,” police mentioned, without giving further details on the injuries.
TMZ mentioned he appeared to have escaped serious injury & has been discharged from the hospital.
Penn — who has been scrapped from the UFC following a series of humiliating drunken episodes — might now find himself in serious legal problem, cops warned.
“Included with the gridlock investigation, there are several cases that include operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, consuming or possessing liquor while operating a motor vehicle & inattention to driving,” police mentioned in the statement.
“When the investigation is made, it will be routed to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for screening & potential charging.”
UFC boss Dana White confirmed last September that the fighting organization was done with Penn after a video of his latest drunken brawl went viral.
“He won’t fight again, that’s it. That’s a wrap,” White told ESPN at the time.
“After what I saw in that video, BJ needs to, you know, he needs to focus on his personal life before he thinks about fighting.”
Penn was raised in Hilo, where he still lives & runs Penn Fitness & Training Center.
