Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan surrendered to police in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday following an alleged hit-and-run incident involving two pedestrians, law enforcement officials said. Meanwhile, in Alaska, Jack Sabato, the son of actor Antonio Sabato Jr., faces legal action in connection with a fatal pedestrian collision.
Rex Ryan booked on misdemeanor charges in Nashville
Ryan, 63, turned himself in on six misdemeanor warrants alleging he hit two pedestrians with his pickup truck, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Police said the incident occurred near the intersection of 4th Avenue and Broadway Street in downtown Nashville. ABC News reported the encounter occurred on Nov. 5, while the Los Angeles Times reported it took place late Tuesday.
According to police accounts cited by news outlets, a pickup truck turned right onto Broadway while pedestrians crossed with a walk signal. The truck allegedly ran over the feet of both individuals and struck one person’s leg. Police reported that both pedestrians suffered minor injuries.
Authorities said that after the truck stopped at a red light one block away, the pedestrians confronted the driver. The driver exited the vehicle, argued with them, and drove off, according to police. The pedestrians photographed the vehicle’s license plate and the driver, leading investigators to Ryan, ABC News reported.
Ryan faces two counts of leaving the scene of an accident, two counts of failing to render aid or provide information, and two counts of failing to obey a traffic control signal, police said. A judicial commissioner set his bond at $6,000, and he was released on pretrial bond Wednesday morning, Fox News reported. Online court records did not list an attorney for Ryan.
Ryan works as an NFL analyst for ESPN. In a statement provided to news outlets, ESPN said, “We are aware and are in touch with Rex.” Ryan previously coached eight seasons in the NFL, leading the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills.
Jack Sabato charged in fatal Alaska collision
The surrender in Nashville coincided with legal developments in another hit-and-run case in Anchorage, Alaska. Jack Sabato, 32, was arrested on Nov. 9 in connection with the death of 42-year-old Carl Simmonds, Page Six reported.
Charging documents reviewed by investigators showed surveillance video of a white Chevrolet Tahoe striking Simmonds near Airport Heights Drive and DeBarr Road before driving away, according to Page Six. Police located a damaged Tahoe registered to Jack Sabato. Officers reported that Jack Sabato stated he was making DoorDash deliveries when he hit an object he thought was an animal, leading him not to stop.
Jack Sabato, whose mother is actress Virginia Madsen, faces a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident without assisting an injured person and a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death, Page Six reported. He was arraigned Nov. 10 with bail set at $5,000 and remained in custody Wednesday.
His father, Antonio Sabato Jr., 54, released a statement to Page Six extending condolences to the family of Simmonds and asking for privacy. “As a father, I love my son unconditionally,” the actor said, adding that his love “does not diminish the gravity of this tragedy” and urging public judgment to wait for formal legal proceedings.
Both cases remain pending in their respective courts.
