A former Baltimore Ravens player, indicted for leaving the scene of a fatal hit-and-run accident in Joppa last year, surrendered to the Maryland State Police yesterday and was then released after posting $25,000 bond, authorities said.
Javin Edward Hunter, 27, a late-round pick for the Ravens in 2002, was indicted by the Harford County grand jury last week on nine counts, including leaving the scene of a fatal accident and leaving the scene resulting in bodily harm knowing that death or injury could result.
Authorities said Hunter was driving a black Chrysler 300 that struck 53-year-old Ellis G. Spencer Jr., who was riding a motorized scooter on U.S. 40 near Joppa Road on July 17. Spencer, of White Marsh, died later that day at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air.
The Chrysler was traveling westbound in the left lane, when it passed another vehicle, swerved onto the shoulder of the road and crashed into Spencer's scooter, authorities said.
The driver and the passenger did not stop and witnesses were able to get the license number that had Michigan tags, authorities said. Hunter was a native of Detroit, Mich., according to a Sports Illustrated profile.
Harford County State's Attorney Joseph I. Cassilly said after the accident that Hunter, the owner of the Chrysler, filed a false vehicle theft report.
The former football player also faces traffic charges including reckless driving, negligent driving, failure to control speed and failure to drive in a single lane. He was also indicted on two misdemeanors, which are similar to the felony charges: leaving the scene of a fatal accident and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injuries.
The day after the accident, Hunter spoke with state police investigators but was not charged.
"Once the state police sent the file to the state's attorney office, we wanted to follow up and investigate," Cassilly said. "We were looking for documents and records. It took a long time for subpoenas to get a response. Normally, it doesn't take quite this long."
Hunter, who lives in Ashburn, Va., was notified about the warrant after the indictments last week, Cassilly said. Hunter arrived at the Bel Air barrack around 10 a.m. yesterday and was taken to the Harford County Detention Center for processing and released on a $25,000 bond.
"He made arrangements to turn himself in," said Cpl. Rick Carroll. " He has been very cooperative throughout the entire investigation, so we had no problems with that."
Hunter spent three years in the National Football League. In 2002, he was drafted out of Notre Dame as the 206th overall pick and played receiver for the Ravens. He started two games as a Raven and had five catches for 35 yards that season.
Hunter was released by the Ravens in 2004 and ended his career with the San Francisco 49ers.
He could not be reached for comment yesterday.
madison.park@baltsun.com