Boxer Vargas Too Quick--in Car Chase, Police Say

At lightning speed, Fernando Vargas was bobbing, weaving, hooking left, hooking right.

Problem was, police say, the professional boxer and former U.S. Olympian wasn’t in the ring.

He was in his car, chasing his sister through the tree-lined streets of Oxnard at speeds surpassing 55 mph, Oxnard police said Thursday.

The 19-year-old hometown hero was later arrested, booked and released on $500 bail on a charge of misdemeanor reckless driving.

“It was a very high rate of speed for a residential area,� Oxnard Police Cmdr. Joe Munoz said. “It was so egregious, we couldn’t overlook it.�

Authorities said that on Wednesday afternoon, Vargas and his sister, Guadalupe, had become embroiled in an argument over the ownership of a car he bought for her.

Police say Guadalupe Vargas sped off in the car, and was chased by her brother through a neighborhood near the intersection of H and Ivywood streets.

Guadalupe Vargas eventually pulled down a side street and hailed down residents to call police, Munoz said.

After interviewing witnesses, police requested that Vargas answer questions for officers at the station.

He complied, and after discussions with the Ventura County district attorney’s office, Vargas was booked on a charge of reckless driving and released on bail, Munoz said.

Vargas could not be reached for comment.

But his manager, Shelly Finkel said, “He is terribly remorseful.�