Ryan Garcia was arrested for felony vandalism on Saturday by Beverly Hills police after a hotel decided to press charges for damage the boxer allegedly inflicted while staying there.
On Sunday, the Beverly Hills Police Department issued a statement regarding the arrest and detaining Garcia after the news was initially reported by TMZ.
“On June 8, 2024, at approximately 5:15 P.M., the Beverly Hills Police Department responded to 9850 Wilshire Blvd. (Waldorf Astoria) for an ‘intoxicated person’ call for service,” Beverly Hills police said in a statement sent to MMA Fighting. “During the investigation, the intoxicated person was identified as Ryan Garcia. Upon obtaining statements from the hotel management, it was determined that Mr. Garcia was a registered guest of the hotel and had caused damage to a guest room and the hallway of the hotel. Hotel management requested the arrest of Mr. Garcia for property damage.
“Ryan Garcia, a 25-year-old from Porter Ranch, California, was arrested for PC 594(b)(1) – Felony vandalism and transported by the Beverly Hills Fire Department to a local hospital for medical care.”
After the arrest was reported, Garcia’s attorney Darin Chavez issued a statement to ESPN regarding the incident and the struggles the boxer has apparently been facing lately due to “devastating news regarding his mother’s health.”
“Ryan has been open about his struggles with mental health over the years, and at this time he is dealing with an immense emotional burden,” Chavez said. “The support and understanding from fans and the public are crucial as he navigates these personal challenges.
“We are working diligently to provide Ryan with the resources he needs. Our team is committed to ensuring that he receives the appropriate help and care to address both his immediate and long-term well-being. We ask for continued support and compassion as Ryan focuses on his family and his health at this time.”
In California, property damage exceeding $400 in value is considered a felony, which explains the nature of the charge that Garcia potentially faces.
If convicted, Garcia could face up to three years in state prison and a fine up to $50,000.
It’s been a tumultuous couple of months for Garcia after he scored the biggest win of his career with a decision victory over Devin Haney following a dazzling performance where he scored three knockdowns over the previously undefeated fighter in April. The result then came into question after Garcia tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine, which he claimed was a result of a tainted supplement he ingested in the lead up to the fight.
Garcia faces possible suspension and fines from the New York Athletic Commission over the failed drug test and the result in the fight against Haney could potentially be overturned. The commission hasn’t issued a ruling yet.
