URBANA, Ill., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- University of Illinois basketball player Jamar Smith has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident.
A warrant for Smith's arrest was issued by Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz and signed by Judge Tom Difanis, who set bail at $10,000, the Champaign (Ill.) News-Gazette reported Wednesday.
The charges stem from a Feb. 12 car crash that left fellow Illinois basketball player Brian Carlwell, 19, severely injured. Rietz said an investigation into the incident found that both players had been drinking beer and tequila before driving in Smith's car, which crashed into a tree during a snowstorm.
Smith, a 19-year-old sophomore, then allegedly drove the damaged 1996 Lexus back to the College Fields apartment complex, where he lives.
Smith, who has left the basketball team for the remainder of the season, could face one to 12 years in prison for the DUI charge and two to five years for leaving the scene and failing to report the accident.
