2 years ago
Clearwater, Florida — Nicholas Bollea was arrested Wednesday morning for Reckless Driving Involving Serious Bodily Injury. He turned himself in at the Pinellas County Jail.
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.
Clearwater Police has also confirmed that the Dodge Viper did belong to Hulk Hogan, and Jacobs was a friend of Nick's who was driving it.
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
- illegal window tint
Click here to read Clearwater Police's news alert about Bollea's arrest.
Attorneys for the Hogan family have issued this statement:
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 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.
- Morris "Sandy" Weinberg, Jr. and Kevin Hayslett, Attorneys for Nick Bollea
At a press conference held at the jail after Bollea bonded out, attorneys maintained that the crash was an accident.
Attorney Morris Weinberg, Jr. said when the case comes to trial that "What you're going to see is this was an accident... an accident that happened on a wet road."
George Tragos, the attorney for John Graziano's mother, has also responded to today's arrest. He says they support the state attorney and whatever disciplinary action they choose to take.
As for John's condition, Tragos says he is still incapicitated but showing signs of life. The VA is paying for his hospital bills, and Tragos thinks John will eventually be moved to a VA hospital.
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