US jockey posted bail after being alleged to have fired a gun into a parked car

Jockey Charles McMahon allegedly fired a gun into a parked car at a red light before speeding off, according to a police spokesman, following the rider’s arrest on Saturday for attempted murder.

The incident is alleged to have taken place on December 27 in Lafayette, McMahon’s home town, with police confirming no one was hurt.

McMahon, known as ‘CJ’, posted bail of $80,000 (£58,700/€64,900) on Monday having also been detained for illegal use of a dangerous weapon and possession of marijuana.

Wayne Griffin, a spokesperson for the Lafayette Police Department in Louisiana, told the Thoroughbred Daily News: “He was allegedly involved in an incident where a vehicle was parked at a red light. He pulled up in his own vehicle next to the car. He shot into the car and then he sped off.

“We were able to locate the vehicle through some investigative means and [by using traffic cameras]. In turn, we were able to locate him and make an arrest.”

McMahon, 26, has ridden over 1,000 winners in America and is a regular rider at tracks in Louisiana and Texas, with his biggest winner coming in the 2016 Grade 3 Oklahoma Derby on Texas Chrome.

The jockey was suspended by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission for 30 days in 2017 after testing positive for using drugs including methamphetamine.

A spokeswoman for the Lafayette Parish District Attorney said an arraignment hearing, where an individual comes to court to answer criminal charges, may take up to two months.

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