UFC Legend B.J. Penn Arrested Again in Hawaii on Assault Charge

Former UFC champion B.J. Penn was arrested in Hawaii. The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 4. Hawai‘i Police charged him with third-degree assault.

This marks the sixth time the Hall of Famer has been taken into custody this year. The arrest is part of a troubling pattern of legal issues for the retired fighter.

Details of the Alleged Assault

Police responded to a Hilo home around 1 pm. A 45-year-old man reported that Penn had attacked him. The alleged victim stated he was punched and kicked multiple times.

He managed to escape and contact authorities. He later received treatment for his injuries at a local medical center. According to a Hawai‘i Police news release, officers located Penn nearby.

He was arrested without incident just before noon. His bail was set at $1,000, which he posted. Penn is scheduled for an initial court appearance in early December.

A Pattern of Legal Troubles

This recent arrest is not an isolated event. Penn has faced five other arrests in just four months. These incidents are reportedly connected to an ongoing family dispute.

His last arrest was in September. He violated a court-ordered restraining order filed by his mother. This was reported by the New York Post.

The first arrest this year occurred in May. He was charged with family abuse for allegedly pushing his mother. Penn has made public claims about his family being impostors.

From Champion to Controversy

B.J. Penn was once a celebrated martial artist. He was a Brazilian jiu-jitsu prodigy. He made history by winning the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship’s black belt division.

He transitioned to MMA and found great success in the UFC. Penn captured the welterweight title in 2004. He later secured the lightweight championship in 2008.

The UFC inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2015. His final professional fight was in 2019. His recent legal battles have overshadowed his athletic legacy.

The repeated arrests of former UFC champion B.J. Penn highlight a severe personal crisis. His legacy as a fighter is now contrasted with his ongoing legal struggles. The situation continues to develop as he awaits his day in court.

Info at your fingertips

What is B.J. Penn charged with?

He is charged with third-degree assault. The charge stems from an alleged physical altercation in Hilo. He was released after posting $1,000 bail.

How many times has B.J. Penn been arrested?

This is his sixth arrest in 2024. The previous arrests were related to family disputes. They occurred over a four-month period.

What did B.J. Penn accomplish in the UFC?

Penn is a former UFC welterweight and lightweight champion. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2015. He is widely considered one of the sport’s greats.

When is B.J. Penn’s court date?

His initial court appearance is scheduled for December 2. It will be held at Hilo District Court. The proceedings will begin at 1 p.m.

Why was there a restraining order against Penn?

His mother, Lorraine Shin, was granted the order. It was part of the ongoing family dispute. Penn was arrested in September for violating it.

Trusted Sources

Hawai‘i Police Department, New York Post, Associated Press.