Warrant issued for NY Mets pitcher Burgos

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Authorities in the Dominican Republic issued an arrest warrant Friday for New York Mets pitcher Ambiorix Burgos after a crash involving his SUV that killed two women. Burgos is accused of abandoning the victims and fleeing, charges that can carry up to two years in prison, prosecutor Raul Quiroz told The Associated Press by phone. “We recommend that Mr. Burgos turn himself in so we can start the judicial process," he said. The Hummer SUV registered to the 24-year-old relief pitcher struck pedestrians Josefina Minaya Martinez, 38, and Angely Fana, 29, on Tuesday in the town of Nagua, north of the Dominican capital, according to Police Col. Eulogio Taveras. The victims later died at a hospital. Taveras has said that witnesses told police Burgos was the driver, even though his cousin, Edwin Silvestre Sanchez, claimed to be behind the wheel. Sanchez was released Friday on bail but could face additional charges, Quiroz said. Burgos also faces an unrelated charge of illegal weapon possession. Quiroz said Burgos had recently been released after posting a $3,000 bond. Burgos also was arrested last month in New York on assault and harassment charges after allegedly throwing his girlfriend to the ground. He has appeared in court on those charges but did not enter a plea, according to prosecutors. He’s due in US court again Oct. 23 and faces up to a year in jail if convicted. Burgos has not thrown in the major leagues since last year and spent the past season on the disabled list following elbow ligament replacement surgery. He pitched in the minors last month. – AP