By David Ariosto, CNN
(CNN) — Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Josh Brent was arrested Saturday on suspicion of intoxication manslaughter after his Mercedes flipped, leaving teammate Jerry Brown Jr. dead, police in Irving, Texas, said.
Brent’s car was allegedly traveling at a high speed when it hit a curb, flipped and caught fire, according to Irving police, who said officers on the scene “believed alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash.”
The car traveled about 900 feet after hitting the curb, said police spokesman John Argumaniz.
When officers came upon the scene, Brent was dragging Brown, 25, from the car, officials told reporters.
Brown was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Brent, 24, who is in his third season with the team, was booked into the Irving City Jail on one count of intoxication manslaughter, police said. It’s considered a second-degree felony, which carries a potential two- to 20-year prison sentence with a maximum $10,000 fine. The police report lists Brent as Joshua Price-Brent.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, “We are deeply saddened by the news of this accident and the passing of Jerry Brown.”
“At this time, our hearts and prayers and deepest sympathies are with the members of Jerry’s family and all of those who knew him and loved him,” he said in a statement.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday morning, one day before Dallas is scheduled to play the Cincinnati Bengals.
According to the Cowboy’s website, Brent has played in 12 games this year, starting in five of them. He has 22 tackles.
Brown, an outside linebacker, was on the Dallas practice squad, having been released by the Indianapolis Colts in October.
CNN’s Jason Durand contributed to this report.
