Police in St. Augustine, Fla., now are backpedaling from a statement it issued to the media earlier Tuesday that Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew was charged with battery, TMZ.com is reporting.
Jones-Drew remains under investigation for allegedly punching a security officer in the face during an altercation Sunday night at the Conch House, which was hosting its weekly "Reggae Night" promotion.
A police representative told TMZ that the department "misrepresented" the situation. However, Jones-Drew is "a person of interest."
According to documents obtained by TMZ, the original St. Augustine media release read:
"At around 8pm Sunday night an altercation broke out on the dock at the Conch House Restaurant and Marina. Conch House Security got involved and during the altercation Jones-Drew hit the Security Officer on the left side of his head, knocking him out. Jones-Drew left the area before Law Enforcement arrived."
Jones-Drew left the scene before police arrived, according to the St. Augustine release, as reported by TMZ.
Jones-Drew never was arrested nor booked into the St. Johns County jail.
According to USA Today, the Jacksonville Jaguars issued a statement Tuesday saying they were "aware of the situation" and were "in the process of gathering more information."
"Due to this being a legal matter, we'll have no further comment at this time," the team said.
Jones-Drew played in only six games in 2012 while dealing with a foot injury. USA Today reported that Jones-Drew has been recovering from that injury and training in South Florida. The star running back out of UCLA has not participated in any of the Jaguars' voluntary offseason activities, but his absence has been excused by the Jacksonville coaching staff.
TMZ added that Cops say Jones-Drew has been cooperative with the investigation, which will be sent to the Florida State Attorney's Office. That office will determine whether any charges will be filed.
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