By David K. Li -
NBC News
The man who was shot by former UFC champion Cain Velásquez is accused of abusing a 4-year-old relative of the fighter, California authorities reported Wednesday.
Velasquez, 39, was arrested for allegedly shooting at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte in Morgan Hill, about 20 miles south of San Jose, sparking an 11-mile high-speed chase Monday afternoon. , according to the Prosecutor's Office.
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The fighter was driving a Ford pickup and followed a Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by Goularte's stepfather into San Jose, authorities said.
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“Velasquez crashed his truck into the Silverado and fired multiple shots from his registered .40-caliber firearm,” according to a statement from the Santa Clara County Attorney's Office.
“A passenger in the Silverado called 911 for help,” he added.
Velasquez was arrested by Morgan Hill police near Madrone Avenue in San Jose.
Cain Velasquez speaks to the media after an open workout before UFC Fight Night on February 14, 2019, in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Goularte was not injured in the attack, but a 63-year-old relative of his was, although he is expected to survive, prosecutors said.
Velasquez has been charged with
premeditated attempted murder,
among other crimes.
"The sad tragedy is that Velasquez chose to take justice into his own hands,
endangering the public and everyone in the vehicle," Santa Clara County Prosecutor Jeff Rosen said in a statement.
"This act of violence also causes more pain and suffering for his family," he added.
Velasquez's attorney, Mark Geragos, declined to comment on the case when contacted by NBC News on Thursday, but said he is eager to defend his client.
"He is an amazingly loving father and husband
," Geragos said.
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Goularte, 43, is charged with
sexual assault
and is out on bail, the prosecutor said.
A judge ordered him to be placed under house arrest and to stay 100 yards from any child under the age of 14.
Goularte was on his way to put on an electronic monitoring bracelet when he was attacked by Velazquez, according to prosecutors.
Velasquez, who last fought in 2019, twice held the UFC heavyweight title.
He is now being held at the Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex in San Jose with a bond hearing set for Monday.
In recent years, Velasquez has been performing for the Mexican professional wrestling organization Lucha Libre AAA.