Police investigate if Jones-Drew hit security guard

St. Johns County State Attorney to decide whether to file charges

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The St. Johns County state attorney will decide if Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will be charged with misdemeanor battery after he allegedly struck a restaurant security guard on Sunday.

Witnesses told St. Augustine police that Jones-Drew, 28, struck a security guard about 8 p.m. at the Conch House, knocking the man out.

The incident apparently followed a scuffle over a woman that ended with the guard taking one of Jones-Drew's friends in a head lock.

Police say the security guard was hospitalized with a bruised jawbone and swelling.

According to police, Jones-Drew left the restaurant before officers arrived, but they have been in touch with him and he has been cooperative.

A criminal complaint was prepared, and Jones-Drew was expected to travel to St. Augustine to meet with investigators, but when that will happen has not been established.

Police initially sent a news release saying it had charged Jones-Drew, but later backed off that statement, saying it will be up to prosecutors whether the Jaguars' star running back will face charges.

DOCUMENTS: SAPD news release, charging affidavit

On Tuesday afternoon, the Jaguars released the following statement: "We are aware of the situation regarding Maurice Jones-Drew and are in the process of gathering more information. Due to this being a legal matter, we'll have no further comment at this time."

Jaguars coach Gus Bradley told the media after Thursday's practice that he specifically cautioned the team about getting in trouble over the weekend.


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Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials.