Onetime welterweight title challenger Nick Diaz was arrested this past week on suspicion of driving under the influence near his hometown in Stockton, Calif.
The Lodi Police Department took the recently unretired fighter into custody on Sept. 6 at 2:20 a.m. after a routine traffic stop, Lodi patrol sergeant Stephen Maynard confirmed to MMAjunkie after an initial report from the Lodi News-Sentinel.
He was found to be under the influence of alcohol and taken to a local jail, where his subsequent behavior led to police filing additional charges.
Police say Diaz obstructed their investigation and attempted to destroy evidence after submitting to a breathalizer test. He reportedly asked officers to use the restroom and then attempted to vomit. He was repeatedly told to stop.
“He was very polite and cordial other than that,” Maynard said.
Diaz was released on his own recognizance after sobering up and given a notice to appear in court. His date has not been set, according to Maynard, but he is expected to be arraigned within two weeks. Along with the suspicion of DUI charge and destruction of evidence, Diaz also was charged with driving with a suspended license.
DUIs are considered misdemeanors unless the accused has a previous record or has injured someone, Maynard added.
MMAjunkie was not able to reach the fighter or his reps for comment. The UFC released a statement to MMAjunkie on Friday afternoon:
“We are aware of the situation and are in the process of gathering the facts,” the statement read. “We understand that there is a legal process that will now take place and that Nick Diaz will have the opportunity to address the situation in the near future.”
Diaz (26-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC) is set to return to the octagon at UFC 183 on Jan. 31, 2015, where he’ll fight a middleweight headliner opposite ex-champ Anderson Silva. He signed a new three-fight deal with the UFC upon agreeing to come out of retirement.