Clearwater, Florida Nicholas Bollea was arrested minutes ago for Reckless Driving Involving Serious Bodily Injury. He will be transported to the Pinellas County Jail when this happens. He will be transported to the Pinellas County Jail when this happens.
Bollea, who is the son of wrestler Hulk Hogan, was involved in a high-speed crash in August that left his friend critically injured. 22-year-old John Graziano III remains in the hospital, reportedly on life support.
Police have been investigating the crash, but up until this point, no charges had been filed. Investigators say Bollea was racing his Toyota Supra against a Dodge Viper when he lost control and crashed into a tree.
The driver of the Dodge Viper, 22-year-old Daniel Jacobs, has been issued a court summons for Reckless Driving.
In addition to Reckless Driving Involving Serious Bodily Injury, Bollea is also charged with: Use of a motor vehicle in commission of a felony, A person under the age of 21 operating a vehicle with a breath-alcohol level of .02 or higher, and illegal window tint.
Nick's rep, Adam Handelsman, EVP of 5WPR, issued the following statement to TMZ "Nick and the entire Hogan Bollea family are saddened that criminal charges have been filed in regards to the tragic single car accident on August 26, 2007. Nick will meet and answer these charges in the appropriate arena ­ a court of law."
The statement continues. "The family's primary focus and concern still remains for the continued recovery of Nick's longtime 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. There has been much speculation as to the speed and wet road conditions surrounding this accident. Although all the evidence has not been evaluated, preliminary reports from the experts indicate that this was not, in fact, a high-speed accident. 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. Finally, we thank all who have prayed for John's recovery and ask for your continued support and prayers."
