BJ Penn, is under investigation by the Hawai‘i Police Department for a possible DUI violation stemming from an incident in Hilo last week.
Last Friday night, at approximately 7 p.m., Penn was operating a black Toyota Tacoma pickup truck when it was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Route 11 in Hilo.According to Puna Patrol Cpt. Ken Quiocho, a caller report made to HPD Friday indicated that the truck was speeding, lost control and flipped into the area in front of the Prince Kuhio Plaza. Penn was transported to Hilo Medical Center to be treated for unknown injuries.
The police believe that speed was “certainly a factor in the crash.” However, patrol officers were unable to administer a blood alcohol content test at the scene. Most hospitals that treat victims of car crashes take blood samples from patients upon their arrival at the facility. Based on privacy laws, it is then up to each hospital individually what information they choose or don’t choose to share with police.
Quiocho said HMC drew blood from Penn Friday night and subsequently reached out to police to share the results.
Because the investigation into Penn remains open, Quiocho was unable to disclose the results of the blood test. With that being said, it was the results of Penn’s blood test that prompted the DUI investigation in the first place.
Luckily for Penn he was alone in the vehicle, and no others were injured in this accident.
After a very tumultuous 2019, it seems as if the UFC Hall of Famer is picking up right where he left off, that is definitely not a good thing to have to report.
We will provide more informatio as it becomes available.
Christopher James has been in the MMA industry for 15 years, Working as a ring announcer for promotions like the XFC, Island Fights, Combat Night and Fight Nights Global during his career. Chris’ love for the sport and the athletes that partake in it led him to writing and doing face to face interviews with the athletes he admired and respected. Chris isn’t conventional by any stretch of the imagination, he has his own style, and takes pride in not being a “cookie-cutter” member of the media. Unique and sometimes controversial takes are what he brings to the table, forcing folks to think a little differently about the world of MMA. He also has a love for music as he has been a dj for 25 years and his love for music gets brought to the MMA world when he gets his guests to sing on his weekly show Cage Side with Christopher James which can be seen Wednesday nights on FACEBOOK LIVE, and soon via podcast.