Fighters have issued their support to former UFC champion Cain Velasquez, who has been charged with 10 offences including first-degree attempted murder, shooting at a motor vehicle or aircraft, and assault with a firearm.
The San Jose Police Department booked the 39-year-old following a shooting on Monday night (1 March), which resulted in one man being taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
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In a statement on Twitter, San Jose Police said: “Cain Velasquez was the suspect arrested yesterday in connection with this incident.
“He was booked into Santa Clara County main jail for attempted murder. The motive and circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation at this time.”
On Twitter, Khabib Nurmagomedov wrote: "You are the man Cain.
"We love you and we always stay with you. @officialcainvelasquez #weareAKA."
Deron Winn added: "I stand by Cain and his family in these hard times. He is one of the most selfless, genuine people I’ve ever had the pleasure to know on a personal level.
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"I almost can’t put into words how of amazing of a guy he is. He lives a good life. The truth will come to light."
Louis Smolka simply wrote: "#FreeCain," whilst Anthony Pettis added: "Free Cain."
Sean Brady commented: "I remember some people saying shit about Cain having CTE yesterday before the s*** with Someone in his family being molested came out maybe y’all should have waited for more facts to come out before claiming the man had CTE #feeecain."
Angela Hill went on to say: "I feel horrible for Cain and his family.
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"This is the worst way revenge could’ve played out. Hoping they go easy on him."
On Wednesday (2 March), the Santa Clara District Attorney Office released a statement confirming Velasquez had been charged.
The statement said Velasquez fired a gun ‘multiple times’ into a truck carrying three men.
It went on: “Velasquez is charged with attempted, premeditated murder, and other related charges. He will be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. in Department 23 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. He could face incarceration if convicted.”
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The district attorney’s office said the attack was motivated by revenge.
DA Jeff Rosen said: “The sad tragedy is that Mr. Velasquez chose to take the law into his own hands, endangering the public and everyone in the truck.
“This act of violence also causes more pain and suffering to his family.”
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The incident unfolded at Cochran Road and Butterfield Boulevard in Morgan Hill around 3.00pm Monday.
Velasquez, driving a Ford truck, followed the victims’ Chevrolet Silverado truck - resulting in an 11-mile high-speed chase.
The fighter then rammed his truck into the Silverado and fired multiple rounds with his registered .40 handgun.
Velasquez was stopped and arrested without incident by Morgan Hill police.
Anish Vij