More than seven months after surviving a horrific accident which left him with a serious leg injury, Nelson Thomas has been charged with a DWI.
Thomas, 34, was slapped with the misdemeanor charge in late September in Texas for the incident occurring on March 6, 2023, according to TMZ.
He was also arrested and posed for a mugshot, according to Page Six.
Officers claimed Nelson had ‘bloodshot, glassy eyes’ as he described how another car had swerved in front of his own just before the accident, according to TMZ.
Thomas claimed he had consumed ‘2-3 mixed alcoholic drinks’, but officers alleged The Challenge star had a ‘strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath’ during subsequent treatment at the hospital.
Legal woes: Six months after surviving a horrific accident which left him with serious injuries, Nelson Thomas has been charged with a DWI
Ordeal: Thomas revealed in March he had survived a terrible car crash
The results of a blood test Thomas underwent at the hospital alleged he had a BAC of .178, according to Page Six. This is more than double the legal limit of 0.08. His results elevated his charge to a Class A misdemeanor, TMZ reports.
Thomas lost control of his vehicle and struck a bridge in Austin, Texas, according to Page Six. The vehicle was totaled and erupted into flames while Thomas was stuck inside.
According to Page Six, Thomas failed a field sobriety test, and he was arrested at the hospital.
But Thomas ended up being ‘released from custody when it was discovered the treatment for his injuries would take longer than expected,’ according to documents obtained by Page Six.
On September 28, he was taken into custody again and a mugshot was taken. He paid a $5,000 bond and is set to appear in court on November 16.
In prior court documents, Thomas’ attorney said the reality star has been ‘dealing with a serious medical condition in which he does not have full mobility of one of his legs,’ according to Page Six.
Thomas revealed he had survived the car accident back in March, posting photos of his gruesome injuries and hospitalization to his Instagram.
The post also included harrowing video of his rescue from his burning vehicle. He gave a shout-out to NFL player K.J. Osborn for being on the scene and filming his rescue.
‘I was involved in a car accident. I want to thank kJ: @kj_osborn_ @nfl @vikings for being on the scene and filming my rescue. I am forever grateful to Abdulmejied Hairedin: @_abdu6435, Rita: @Afri_qveen, and Arthur: @arthur_1er_,’ he began in the caption.
Harrowing: Thomas’ rescue from his fiery video was captured by NFL player KJ Osborn
Raising funds: A GoFundMe set up to raise funds for his medical expenses and other related expenses has so far made $58,673
‘For pulling me out of a burning vehicle, risking their own lives to save mine. Words can’t explain how grateful I am to be alive. God is truly great and he has you in his hands no matter who you are.
‘I’m in high spirits and getting stronger. This will be a long road to recovery but to my fans, friends and family please keep me in your prayers.’
A GoFundMe set up to raise funds for his medical expenses and other related expenses has so far made $58,673.
‘Just over a week ago, our dear friend, Nelson Thomas saw his life flash before his eyes in a terrible car accident. He is so grateful for the amount of love he’s already received in such a short time. From his Challenge buddies, to family, to wonderful friends – he is feeling so much love,’ his GoFundMe read.
MTV star: Thomas pictured back in 2017 in New York
‘This accident has left him pretty beat up along with a totaled vehicle. He has already had multiple surgeries, including a reconstructive surgery on his leg where he now has plates and screws.
‘We have had many reach out to see in what way they can help, first and foremost – Prayer. He feels so blessed to be alive as his faith in Christ is so important to him.
‘So I know he is incredibly thankful for those praying for him and his recovery. Second, if you would like to help in supporting financially, this will go toward medical bills and any other necessities to aid in his recovery. This is going to be a long road to recovery, but his spirits are high. Thank you all for your love and kindness. We all love you brother.’