‘Rampage’ charges waiting on CHP

Charges will soon be filed against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson for allegedly taking authorities on a rough and tumble chase through Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, prosecutors said, but they are still waiting for more information from the California Highway Patrol before they can proceed.

Jackson, the former light heavyweight title holder in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, was arrested July 15 after authorities say he hit two cars on the southbound 55 Freeway near 19th Street, continued driving, then hit another car while he evaded a Costa Mesa police officer trying to pull him over.

Jackson was free hours after his arrest because UFC President Dana White posted Jackson’s $25,000 bail at Costa Mesa jail.

Because Jackson is not in custody, authorities are in no rush to file charges against him, officials said. If he were in custody the law would require authorities to file charges sooner.

The circumstances surrounding Jackson’s case — the multiple vehicles involved, the amount of witnesses — can all play a role in how long it takes for a prosecutor to file charges, said Dist. Atty. spokeswoman Susan Schroeder.

“We’ll make a filing decision as soon as we can. We’re not delaying for delay’s sake,” Schroeder said. “You don’t get a celebrity discount no matter who you are.”

Jackson’s case is being handled by the district attorney’s special prosecutions unit that handles cases that need “a little more attention,” according to Schroeder.

Jackson was arrested in Newport Beach after a Costa Mesa police officer chased him from 18th Street and Newport Boulevard where the officer had seen Jackson talking on his cellphone while weaving in and out of traffic on a flat tire, police said.

Widely circulated photos show Jackson being arrested by police next to his raised Ford F-350 pick-up truck with his likeness painted on the side.

While police were chasing him, Jackson had caused damage minutes earlier on the freeway, police said. California Highway Patrol officials said Jackson hit two cars on the 55 Freeway when he passed them going down the median lane toward 19th Street.

Jackson is scheduled to be in court Aug. 15.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at [email protected].