Why did Jared Anderson get arrested? Full timeline of the boxer's legal issues
Jared Anderson is viewed by many as a future heavyweight champion in the sport of professional boxing. The 6'4" American heavyweight is known for his terrifying knockout power complemented by exceptional pugilistic technique. At just 24 years of age, 'Big Baby' aka 'The Real Big Baby' has wreaked havoc in the division of giants.
After an impressive run as an amateur boxer, which included a National Golden Gloves title, he eventually transitioned to the professional boxing realm. Since going pro in Oct. 2019, he's amassed a 17-0 record with 15 victories coming via KO/TKO. Presently, Anderson is scheduled to fight Martin Bakole on the Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov card on Aug. 3, 2024.
The talented pugilist, who was born in Toledo, Ohio, U.S.A., has notably faced multiple challenges outside the ring as of late.
Full timeline of Jared Anderson's legal issues
Promoted by Bob Arum's Top Rank, Jared Anderson has earned plaudits for his dominance inside the squared circle. Nevertheless, in 2023 and 2024, his run-ins with the law sparked speculation about whether the young fighter was running into similar pitfalls that many other talented sportspersons have in the past.
Here's a timeline of Jared Anderson's legal issues:
Nov. 2023: Arrested and booked on two charges, including OVI and improperly handling firearms
As reported by ESPN, Jared Anderson was arrested on Monday, November 6, 2023, in Oregon, Ohio, and spent over eight hours behind bars. The report indicated that per the records of Lucas County Corrections Center, Anderson was booked on two charges.
The first was improperly handling firearms in a vehicle while under the influence. The second charge was an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired), as he was allegedly under the influence.
A TMZ Sports report noted that according to the Oregon (Ohio) police department, Anderson was driving his '23 Dodge Charger at 55 mph in a 40 mph zone. An officer, who pulled him over sometime after 1 am, claimed to have smelled alcohol on the boxer's breath, detected a light odor of burnt marijuana, and seen an open tequila bottle.
The police alleged that Jared Anderson's eyes were "bloodshot and glassy." His blood alcohol content test showed a level of 0.038, the legal limit being 0.08. A firearm was also discovered in the vehicle's glove box.
In December 2023, the OVI charge against him was dropped. Also, Anderson pleaded no contest to an amended charge of improperly handling firearms in a vehicle. He was handed a 180-day suspended sentence at the CCNO (Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio) and a fine of $200.
It was indicated that he could face additional punitive action if he committed a similar offense within a one-year span.
Feb. 2024: Arrest after high-speed car chase
At around 1:36 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, Jared Anderson allegedly led police officers in a high-speed car chase in Huron Township, Michigan. On Saturday, March 2, 2024, Anderson was booked on a charge of fleeing a police officer, which is a third-degree felony.
As reported by ESPN, the police attempted to pull Anderson over, as he was clocked going 91 mph in a 70 mph zone. Regardless, he evaded them and fled.
Anderson's orange Dodge Challenger allegedly touched speeds up to 130 mph, alternating between being southbound and northbound. The incident was marked by three attempted traffic stops. The police gave up the chase multiple times, as pursuing him while he was navigating through the traffic at high speeds could've been hazardous to others.
Ultimately, Anderson's vehicle crashed into a median and he was arrested. The boxer posted a $10k bond and was released on March 2, 2024. His release hinged on the condition that he wouldn't drive unless it was required for him to travel to and from his court dates.
The fighter faced up to five years in prison and/or a fine of $1,000, in addition to a driver's license suspension of one year.
The Director of Public Safety (Chief of Police) of Huron Township, Everette Robbins, criticized and deemed Jared Anderson's actions as an "attempt to cop bait." Robbins underscored the dangers such high-speed car chases pose to the public.
Meanwhile, addressing the 6-mile-plus chase, Anderson apologized to his friends, family, and fans. Speaking to ESPN later in March, he asserted that the chase was caused by "an impulse decision." He opined that many people look up to him, adding that he needs to do a better job as a role model.
'The Real Big Baby' said that he's human and just 24, further highlighting that everyone makes mistakes. Anderson emphasized that he'll learn from the incident and evolve but won't dwell on it. He stated:
"I wouldn't say I regret it, you know, lesson learned. I try to live my life with no regrets."