Rampage: ‘Not guilty’

The attorney for former Ultimate Fighting Championship title holder Quinton “Rampage� Jackson said he likely suffered an “episode of delirium� July 15 when police say he hit three cars and fled authorities while driving his raised Ford F-350 pickup truck, narrowly missing pedestrians and driving on the wrong side of Newport Boulevard.

Jackson pleaded not guilty in Central Justice Center in Santa Ana on Thursday to two felony counts of reckless evading police and three misdemeanor counts of hit and run. He faces up to three years in prison if convicted on all charges.

“Man, I didn’t know what was going on [that day],� Jackson was overheard saying outside the courtroom.

“It is believed [Jackson] suffered an episode of delirium brought on by total exhaustion and dehydration compounded by severe stress-related issues revealed to him both before and after the July 5 fight� where he lost his UFC light heavyweight title, said Jackson’s attorney, Carol Lavacot. Jackson was upset by Forrest Griffin July 5 in Las Vegas when judges awarded Griffin the decision.

Inside the courtroom Thursday, Jackson appeared relaxed, wearing a dark, pin-striped suit and diamond-stud earrings. Two of Jackson’s friends chatted with him in the audience before he was called before the judge. Lavacot credited Jackson’s demeanor to his faith.

“He has so much faith in God that he knows everything will be all right,� she said. “He remains in treatment to learn to identify alternative ways of coping and stress reduction techniques.�

Police say Jackson hit two cars on the southbound 55 Freeway and continued onto Newport Boulevard, failing to stop when a Costa Mesa traffic officer tried to pull him over for driving on a flat tire, weaving through traffic and talking on his cellphone. He hit another car during the chase before eventually stopping in Newport Beach, police said.

Officers say he did not appear to be under the influence and was calm and collected when he was booked into jail.

The day after Jackson was arrested, friends at his home flagged down Irvine police because he was reportedly acting strangely.

Officers there determined he was a potential danger to himself and/or others and sent him to the hospital for observation.

Jackson remains free on $25,000 bail. His pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9.

July 5 — Jackson loses his UFC light heavyweight belt to Forrest Griffin in a unanimous decision.

July 14 — Jackson watches his loss for the first time.

July 15 — Jackson allegedly drives down the median lane on the southbound 55 Freeway, hitting two cars, then continues down Newport Boulevard and hits another car while fleeing police. He is out on $25,000 bail later that night.

July 16 — Jackson is detained by police and put in the hospital for observation after authorities determine he is a danger to himself and/or others.

Aug. 25 — Jackson is charged with two felonies of recklessly evading police and three misdemeanor counts of hit and run.

Aug. 28 — Jackson pleads not guilty to all counts in Santa Ana’s Central Justice Center.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at [email protected].