DUI, Assault Charges Upgraded in Weekend Wreck on the Strip

A Holt man charged with hitting and injuring two UA students riding in a golf cart on the Strip Friday night has received an upgraded assault charge, and an additional DUI charge.

William Brown, 32, allegedly crashed into a Joyride golf cart after speeding out of the nearby Publix parking lot and failing to stop. The Joyride vehicle was then pinned between Brown's Jeep Grand Cherokee and another vehicle already on University Boulevard.

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Brown badly injured the two UA students, an 18-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man. Both students and the driver were transported to DCH Regional Medical Center, although the driver reportedly did not suffer severe injuries.

The suspect was initially charged with one count each of first- and second-degree assault. He was booked in the Tuscaloosa County Jail with bond set at $45,000. As of Sunday, Brown now faces three charges, including an upgraded assault charge:

• First-Degree Assault (female victim) - $30,000 bond
• First-Degree Assault (male victim) (upgraded) - $30,000 bond
• DUI - $5,000 bond

A spokesperson said the chargers were upgraded because the victims' injuries are even more severe than originally expected.

Brown could face additional charges once the case is presented to a grand jury and investigators are communicating regularly with the victims' families to monitor their conditions.

As of Monday morning, both UA students were still at DCH being treated for serious injuries as a result of the crash.