Neer arrested after police chase

By Ken Pishna, MMAWeekly.com

Josh Neer owned a professional MMA record of 24-7-1. Courtesy of Zuffa  Martin: Evans seizes UFC gold  Martin: Pat Barry living his dream  Hamlin: Blackburn dominates Chonan

Josh Neer -- a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and International Fight League -- was arrested early Thursday morning by Des Moines, Iowa, police, according to the Des Moines Register. Polk County (Iowa) records show he was charged with a second-offense operating while intoxicated charge and eluding while more than 25 miles-per-hour in excess of the speeding limit.

A Polk County officer later confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that Neer was released on bond sometime around 9 or 10 a.m. Thursday morning and would face a future court date. Records indicate that his bond was set at $2,000 for the operating while intoxicated charge and $5,000 for the charge of eluding.

The officer on duty did not have details of the incident immediately available, but a report by the Des Moines Register indicated that Neer was allegedly involved in a three-car collision at a stoplight before attempting to elude police and leading them on a high-speed chase.

Neer apparently hit a car from behind at a red stoplight. That car then rear-ended a police car that was stopped for the light. Reportedly driving a black Audi Quattro, Neer then allegedly pulled out, crossing oncoming traffic and leading police on a chase.

The report goes on to say that police attempted to stop the Audi by hitting the back quarter panel of the car with a squad car. The Audi spun around, but the driver regained control. The chase eventually wound up on Interstate 80, reportedly reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph in a 65 mph speed zone.

The chase finally ended at mile marker 137, where police arrested Neer.

Sporting a professional MMA record of 24-7-1, Neer last saw action at UFC Fight Night 15 in Omaha, Neb., where he lost a split decision to Ultimate Fighter season five winner Nate Diaz. Neer and Diaz were awarded the UFC Fight Night 15 "Fight of the Night" award, which included a $30,000 bonus to each fighter.

Neer is scheduled to face Mac Danzig at UFC Fight Night 17 at the USF Sun Dome on Feb. 7 in Tampa, Fla.

No statement was forthcoming from UFC officials at the time of publication.

Neer's representative responds

Mickey Dubberly, CEO of KO Dynasty Sports Management -- a representative of Neer's -- on Thursday released the following statement to MMAWeekly.com:

"We are still looking into the matter as a lot of the facts are still unclear. We back Josh 100 percent in resolving this issue as quickly as possible, and putting this matter behind us and moving forward. I know Josh on a personal and business level, and he is a great person, fighter, and loving father. We apologize to Josh's fans, family, friends, and the UFC, while we have to deal with this incident.

We are very grateful that the UFC has supported Josh throughout his career and has given him the opportunity to be a co-main event. In no way do we ever want to bring any negativity towards the UFC, as they have been nothing but great to Josh.

Josh is already looking forward to put this incident behind him, and is focusing on his fight with Mac Danzig. We would hope everyone would reserve judgment until all the facts are known in a court of law instead of just going off of hearsay.

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