FirstTimer
Freeman Error
Matt Bush arrested today for hit and run.
The Florida Highway Patrol says a Tampa Bay Rays player faces multiple charges after leaving the scene of an accident that seriously injured a man on a motorcycle.
The Highway Patrol says 26-year-old Matthew Brian Bush was driving south on US 41 Thursday afternoon when he struck the motorcycle driven by 72-year-old Anthony Tufano.
After the accident, troopers say Bush drove north on US 41. Multiple police agencies were notified and his 2011 Dodge SUV was located a short time later in North Port. Bush was arrested and taken to Charlotte County Jail. Bush faces multiple DUI-related charges and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
The overall top pick in the 2004 MLB Draft was driving in his SUV on US 41 around 5 p.m. when he hit a motorcyclist from behind, according to the Florida Highway Patrol — allegedly driving over the man's head in the process, according to the Tampa Bay Tribune.
"Literally the tire on the SUV ran over the driver's head. Without the helmet, the gentleman would have been dead instantly," a witness told WBBH-TV.
The Rays issued a statement late Thursday, saying they would reserve comment until they learned more about the incident.
"The Tampa Bay Rays organization is deeply saddened by today's tragic news," the statement said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim and his family. We will reserve further comment until we learn more about the incident that took place."
Bush signed with the Rays in 2010 after previously playing for the San Diego Padres, who drafted him in 2004. He also had a short stint with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2009.
His career, however, has been rocked by a number of off-field incidents, and he admitted to MLB.com in 2011 that he has had serious problems with alcohol during his career.