Driver Arrested in Jordan Parsons’ Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident

On Saturday, the Delray Beach Police Department released photos and a statement identifying the man who was behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck Jordan Parsons on May 1 resulting in the Bellator MMA featherweight’s death.

“After an intense, six-day investigation, DBPD traffic homicide investigators have arrested a 28-year-old Boca Raton man for the fatal crash that took the life of 25-year-old MMA fighter Jordan Parsons. Dennis Wright, whose license has been suspended six times, is facing multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crash causing death. Investigators have recovered the damaged 2013 Range Rover Sport involved in the crash,” read the DBPD statement.

Parsons was walking home at 12:33 a.m. when he was struck by Wright, who never stopped.

“The incident happened at 12:33 a.m. on May 1. Parsons was walking across Federal Highway at Lindell Boulevard. Wright, whose driver license is suspended, was driving his mother’s Range Rover south on Federal. A witness told investigators he thinks Wright was driving between 100 and 120 miles per hour when he hit Parsons, who was in the crosswalk. Parsons was wearing headphones and may have not heard the SUV coming.

Wright never stopped. Neither did his friends driving behind him in their Mercedes, which followed the Range Rover as it continued southbound,” the authorities revealed.

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DBPD Officer Derek Chahine, who had been nearby on a traffic stop, used a medical blanket from the trunk of his patrol car to apply pressure to Parson’s catastrophic leg injury until Delray Beach Fire Rescue arrived and transported Parsons to Delray Medical Center. He died May 4 from injuries sustained in the hit-and-run.

On May 2, an anonymous tipster provided Wright’s name to investigators. It was quickly discovered that Wright’s mother owned a grey 2013 Range Rover Sport. Wright attempted to have the vehicle repaired to cover up his crime.

“Wright made an effort to have the damaged Range Rover repaired at a local body shop, but the owner refused to do the work, so Wright rented a bay at a storage facility and hid the SUV. Investigators recovered it on Friday, and it was missing the driver’s side mirror officers recovered at the scene,” said the DBPD statement.

Wright turned himself in on Saturday afternoon. He also faces charges of driving on a suspended license as a habitual offender and tampering with evidence.

Wright has an extensive criminal record which includes arrests for DUI, disorderly intoxication, marijuana possession and assault on an officer or firefighter, among other charges.

“The crash investigation is ongoing. Witnesses told investigators that Wright was at Buddha Sky Bar on East Atlantic Avenue Saturday night with friends. If anyone has information about Wright’s whereabouts that night, please contact Officer Ron Brown or Sgt. Jeffrey Rasor at (561) 243-7800,” stated the DBPD.

(Photos courtesy of Delray Beach Police Department)

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