IRVINE, Calif. – An arrest warrant has been issued by the Irvine Police Department for St. Louis Cardinals utilityman Scott Spiezio on six charges stemming from a crash in late December.
The warrant alleges driving under influence, driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more, hit and run, aggravated assault, assault and battery.
Spiezio was not in the lineup for Wednesday's exhibition game against St. Louis University at Jupiter, Fla. Cardinals spokesman Brian Bartow said the team was not aware of the warrant.
Irvine police responded to a report of a single-car crash at 12:20 a.m. on Dec. 30 in Orange County.
Officers found a 2004 BMW registered to Spiezio had crashed into a curb and fence. The driver was seen running from the crash site, according to Lt. Rick Handfield.
Police located a neighbor of Spiezio who told officers that he was assaulted by Spiezio at their condo complex a short distance from the crash site, Handfield said.
The neighbor said Spiezio had arrived home appearing disheveled and apparently injured. Spiezio vomited in his condo and then allegedly assaulted the neighbor, causing significant injuries, Handfield said.
Police believe Spiezio was driving under the influence at the time of the crash, Handfield said.
Spiezio missed more than a month last season while receiving treatment for substance abuse.
Spiezio is entering the final season of a two-year, $4.5 million contract.
He batted .272 in 119 games with 13 homers and 52 RBIs in 2006. Last year, he appeared in only 82 games due to injuries, illness and treatment, with four homers, 31 RBIs and a .269 average.
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