Diego Sanchez arrested on Gun Charges in New Mexico

It wasn’t that long ago that Diego Sanchez was winning the ultimate fighter and main eventing the UFC on his path towards the top 10 however Thursday’s arrest in Albuquerque New Mexico shows a fall from grace that may need intervention.  According to KRQE a local New Mexico outlet Diego Sanchez was riding passenger and passed a vehicle accident when he decided to shoot off a round from a handgun into the air.

Police pulled over the vehicle and a search revealed a pistol and several bullets including an empty casing on the passenger’s side floor where Diego Sanchez had been seated.  The arresting officer reported that Diego did admit to shooting the gun out the window and followed his statements with “laughter”.  While Diego has been outside the UFC he competed in BKFC losing by KO and has been removed from the combat sports scene since.

Sanchez has been charged with Shooting from a motor vehicle as well as negligent use of a deadly weapon. The charges are considered a fourth degree felony in New Mexico and if found guilty Diego Sanchez could face up to 18 months in prison.  Diego Sanchez won the first season of the Ultimate fighter in 2005 at 184 pounds before dropping to welterweight and even lightweight and featherweight during his career.

A long time staple in New Mexico, Diego Sanchez has a community of support concerned about him and is hoping he can find counseling and support needed to make a full recovery.