MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A WVU football player allegedly ran from the cops before parking and disappearing.
Jovani Lee Haskins, 21, of Bergenfield, N.J., is charged with reckless driving, fleeing from an officer and driving on the left side of the road — all misdemeanors — by the WVU Police Department.
A WVU police officer spotted a white Audi A4 speeding on University Avenue about 3:15 a.m. July 28, according to a criminal complaint. The officer saw the car almost strike another vehicle in the turning lane of University and Campus avenues.
The officer activated his emergency lights but the vehicle continued on at a high rate of speed and crossed the center line “multiple times.” A second officer saw the same car speed down University Avenue before it passed another car using the turning lane and moved into the oncoming traffic lane.
After getting stuck in traffic, the Audi turned down Ensign Avenue and parked in the Metro Towers parking area, the criminal complaint said. The driver got out and ran away.
The car’s registration was cross referenced with WVU parking records, which showed citations to Haskins. Haskins matched the description of the suspect who fled and his student ID card was found inside the vehicle.
Haskins was arraigned in Monongalia County Magistrate Court on Aug. 2 by Senior Status Magistrate Darris Summers. Bond was set at $2,500 and has been posted.
“We are aware of the situation, and it will be handled appropriately and in accordance with West Virginia University’s policies and procedures surrounding student conduct,” coach Neal Brown said in an official team release.
Appearing on the Mackey Award watchlist, Haskins is expected to be the top tight end for the Mountaineers after the loss of Trevon Wesco, who was drafted by the New York Jets in April. Haskins caught 16 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown in 2018.
Haskins has been practicing with the team during training camp, although he has been limited to non-contact drills.
-The Dominion Post’s Will Dean and Alex Hickey contributed to this report.