Tampa Rays Ballplayer Arrested On Hit And Run

Impaired Rays Ball Player Arrested After Hitting A Motorcyclist

Tampa Rays baseball player, shortstop Matt Bush was arrested on DUI and other charges after hitting a motorcyclist from behind and fleeing the scene. 

Matthew Brian Bush, 26 of North Port, Fl was taken into custody about 5:30 p.m. Thursday evening after officers from several law enforcement agencies made a traffic stop on Bush on Toledo Blade Blvd. in North Port.

Bush, driving a 2011 Dodge SUV and a 2000 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by 72-year old Anthony Tufano of Port Charlotte were traveling south in the inside left lane on US 41/SR 45 approaching Murdock Circle in Port Charlotte when Bush's SUV struck the rear of the motorcycle which caused it to overturn and eject the driver. 

Tufano was taken to Lee Memorial  Hospital after suffering serious injuries in the crash.

According to the FHP, Bush then fled the scene, traveling south, then north on US 41. A BOLO for the vehicle was issued to the surrounding law enforcement agencies. 

Bush in his SUV was later located traveling south on Toledo Blade Blvd in North Port. Officers from several agencies made a traffic stop and Bush was placed under arrest. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail.

The FHP report indicates Bush had been drinking. He was charged with fleeing the scene with serious injuries, driving with a suspended license with serious injuries, DUI with serious injuries, and DUI with property damage.

According to Wikipedia Bush's 2004 pro baseball career began poorly when he was suspended before he ever took the field for his role in a fight outside an Arizona nightclub. He received a signing bonus of $3,150,000 to play for the San Diego Padres at that time.

In 2009 he was released by the Toronto Blue Jays for violating their zero tolerance "behavioral policy."