UFC veteran Diego Sanchez is facing serious charges after being arrested last month for allegedly firing a gun from a moving vehicle, but what’s grabbing headlines is how the arresting officer initially starstruck over the MMA legend.
A released body camera footage of the arrest, which took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, along I-40. According to police, officers were investigating an unrelated incident on the highway when they heard gunshots from a passing vehicle. The suspect? None other than 43-year-old Sanchez.
When officers pulled over the Jeep Gladiator he was riding in, one of the officers immediately recognised the passenger.
“As in the Diego Sanchez? Like MMA fighter Diego Sanchez?” the officer asked, stunned. The tone quickly shifted from admiration to official business as Sanchez was taken into custody.
Despite his reputation as one of MMA’s toughest fighters, Sanchez complained about the handcuffs, claiming they were cutting into his wrists. “You’re not bleeding,” the officer replied.
Sanchez denied firing any shots, but the driver of the vehicle allegedly identified him as the shooter. Upon searching the car, officers reportedly discovered a handgun and multiple shell casings inside.
Sanchez is now facing two charges: one count of shooting at or from a motor vehicle and negligent use of a deadly weapon.
He was released from jail last week. His attorney, Jason Bowles, stated that Sanchez is now focusing on treatment and counselling.
“Diego has done so much good for the Albuquerque community over the years and has been a role model for many at-risk youth. He is a much-loved UFC legend,” Bowles said.
As the legal process unfolds, fans and observers are left stunned by the sharp contrast between Sanchez’s iconic career and the troubling allegations now surrounding him.
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