Newly released police video features the former WWE CEO Vince McMahon High speed Car accident in Connecticut last summer and reveals that a state trooper was trying to catch up to him to pull him over at the time.
McMahon, now 80, was driving his 2024 Bentley Continental GT on Merritt Parkway in Westport on July 24 — coincidentally, the same day the WWE legend died. Hulk Hogan He died of a heart attack in Florida. The Bentley, which can cost more than $300,000, was traveling at speeds of 100 mph (160 kph) or more, state police said.
“Why were you driving over 100 miles per hour?” State Police Detective Maxwell Robbins questions McMahon after the incident, according to police body camera video. McMahon replies, “I got my granddaughter’s birthday,” and explains that he was on his way to see her.
Robins’ dash cam video shows McMahon driving northbound in the right lane as he approaches the BMW in the same lane, appearing to slam on the brakes and swerve into the left lane at the last second. The Bentley hit the back of the other car before hitting the left lane barrier and veering back onto the highway, creating a cloud of dirt and car parts. McMahon then stopped at his right shoulder.
Police said no one was seriously injured in the accident. In addition to the damage to the rear of the BMW, another car driving on the other side of the road was hit by flying debris. The driver of the third car happened to be wearing a WWE T-shirt.
McMahon was cited for reckless driving and following too closely. A state judge in October allowed McMahon to enter Pre-trial testing program That will clear the charges from his record next October if he successfully completes the program. He was also ordered to make a charitable contribution of $1,000.
State Police said Robbins was trying to catch up with McMahon on the highway and speeding up before stopping him. They said the incident was not a chase, which is what happens when police chase someone trying to evade officers. They said it did not appear that McMahon was trying to escape from the officer.
Police video shows Robbins telling McMahon about his efforts to catch up with McMahon. “I’m trying to catch up with you, and you keep taking off,” Robbins says. “No, no, I’m not trying to one-up you,” McMahon says.
The summary of incident information provided to the media shortly after the incident did not mention that a trooper was following McMahon.
The Associated Press obtained the videos Wednesday through a public records request. It was first obtained by The Sun.
Police cameras recorded the troopers’ interactions with McMahon on the side of the highway.
Robbins told McMahon that he did not understand why McMahon had not changed lanes sooner to avoid a collision and asked him if he was looking at his phone. McMahon denies looking at his phone and adds that he hasn’t driven in a long time.
The video later shows McMahon giving Robins his car registration and cursing himself. After Robbins told McMahon his car was fast, McMahon responded: “Yes, very (expletive) fast.”
The videos also show McMahon speaking to the driver who rear-ended his car. Barbara Duran, of New York City, told the AP last summer that McMahon expressed concern for her and was glad she was okay. She said she was heading to the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard at the time of the accident.
After McMahon received the traffic summons, Robbins and another officer shook hands and wished him well.
McMahon’s attorney, Mark Sherman, said the incident was an accident.
“Not every car accident is a crime,” Sherman said. “Vince’s primary concern throughout this case was the other drivers, and he appreciates that the court saw this as an accident rather than an offense that needed to be prosecuted.”
McMahon stepped down As WWE CEO in 2022 amid the company’s investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He also resigned As CEO of TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company, in 2024, a day after a former WWE employee filed a lawsuit. Sexual assault lawsuit Against him. McMahon has denied the allegations. The lawsuit is still pending.
McMahon bought what was then known as the World Wrestling Federation in 1982 and transformed it from a regional wrestling company into a global phenomenon. In addition to running the company with his wife, Linda, who now works US Secretary of EducationHe also performed for WWE himself.