UPDATE: According to Clark County Detention Center online records Henry Ruggs was released from jail Wednesday evening after 7:30 p.m.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Ex-Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was traveling 156 mph prior to the crash that claimed the life of a 23-year-old woman. Prosecutors said his blood-alcohol level was 0.16, which is twice the legal limit.
An injured Ruggs’ made his first appearance before a judge in Las Vegas Justice Court at 9 a.m. Wednesday in a wheelchair, wearing a neck brace.
Judge Joe Bonaventure set his bail at $150,000 although the state had requested a $1 million bond. Ruggs was ordered to abstain from alcohol and other controlled substances. He was ordered not to drive and to surrender his passport. Bonaventure said, in his career on the bench, he couldn’t recall seeing a speed that high.
Ruggs posted bail later in the day, but records indicate he is still at the Clark County Detention Center.
The 22-year-old is facing felony charges of DUI causing death and reckless driving for a fiery crash that left a 23-year-old Tina Tintor dead Tuesday morning. Her family was in the courtroom for Ruggs’ court appearance.
According to Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson, Ruggs could face additional charges including another felony DUI charge because his girlfriend, Kiara Kilgo-Washington, who uses the name Rudy Washington, was in the car with him and suffered serious injuries in the crash.
A loaded gun was also found in Ruggs’ car. Wolfson said he is waiting to see evidence before filing any charge related to the gun.
“I have never seen a case in my 41 years here in Las Vegas of a person who is charged with a crime driving in excess of 150 miles an hour,” Wolfson said.
The crash happened at Rainbow Boulevard near Spring Valley Parkway when Ruggs’ Corvette rear-ended Tintor’s Toyota RAV4 causing it to burst into flames and trapping her inside.
Police said both vehicles were traveling northbound on Rainbow when Ruggs, whose accused of speeding, veered into the right lane, crashing into Tintor’s car.
“What we have, your honor, is a young man who has never been in trouble before from what we understand. Never a traffic violation. He has consistently followed rules and regulations. He played for a major Division I national football team,” Ruggs’ attorney David Chesnoff told the court.
A member of Tintor’s family directed a comment toward Chesnoff: “You should be shameful to protect that guy.”
Chesnoff responded: “Well, it is America and people are entitled to lawyers.”
Outside the courthouse, Chesnoff dodged questions from reporters about what kind of punishment Ruggs deserves if convicted.
Ruggs, who was released from the Raiders Tuesday night, is being represented by Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld. The high-profile attorneys released a statement hours after the crash asking “everyone to reserve judgment until all the facts are gathered.”
Wolfson said he wants to make sure Ruggs’ high profile status doesn’t excuse him from being brought to justice.
“It’s about choices, if somebody chooses to drive while under the influence and drive in excess of 150 mph, we’re going to seek justice,” Wolfson said. “This community needs to understand that while driving while impaired is a serious matter.”
A conviction on a charge of DUI causing death or substantial bodily injury carries a sentence of two to 20 years in prison. The reckless driving charge carries a sentence of one to six years.
Ruggs is due back in court on Nov. 10. He will be formally charged at that time.
