UFC champ Jones grabbed ‘handful of cash’ after crash, police report says

Albuquerque police on Monday continued to search for UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who allegedly fled the scene in a weekend hit-and-run accident that hospitalized a pregnant woman.

Jones, 27, is being sought for questioning by police in connection with the incident, which involved a 20-year-old pregnant woman who suffered a broken arm.

Jones is believed to have fled the scene after hitting the woman’s vehicle, according to a police report released Monday. However, Jones returned moments later to grab “a large handful of cash” from his car, according to the report.

Once police arrived on the scene they found UFC paperwork belonging to Jones. Officers reported they also found marijuana paraphernalia.

Albuquerque police on Monday said they are working on an arrest warrant for Jones. No charges have been formally filed, although Jones could face felony charges for fleeing the scene.

A phone call to a man who has indicated he is representing Jones was not immediately returned Monday.

Jones has had prior run-ins with law enforcement.

Three years ago, he pleaded guilty in New York to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. In December, he tested positive for cocaine but still fought on Jan. 3. He later spent one night in a drug treatment facility.

Jones is one of the most popular MMA fighters in the country. He won the light-heavyweight title in 2011, becoming the youngest champion in UFC history. He’s ranked No. 1 by various media outlets for his weight class.

Jones, who is from Endicott, N.Y., and was a state champion wrestler in high school, is praised by fight enthusiasts for his wrestling ability.

In a statement released Monday, the UFC said it is in the “process of gathering facts” and did not issue additional comment.

Jones has a title defense scheduled for May 23 in Las Vegas against Anthony Johnson.

Times staff writer Lance Pugmire contributed to this report.