REPORT: Police saw AU running back Smith strike student

Auburn University tailback Eric Smith struck an Auburn student in the back of the head — knocking the victim unconscious — in plain view of police officers outside a local hotel, according to the complete incident report obtained Monday by the Opelika-Auburn News.

Smith told officers early Friday morning that the victim, 22-year-old Decari Jenkins, punched him in the nose earlier in the night, according to the report. Smith “did appear to have blood coming from his nose at the time of the incident,” the police report says.

Jenkins filed a third-degree assault complaint against Smith late Friday afternoon and a warrant was issued for Smith’s arrest. Smith surrendered to Auburn police Monday between 1:30- 2 p.m., Auburn Assistant Police Chief Tommy Dawson said.

Smith was transported to the Lee County Detention Center and arrived at 2:40 p.m., Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said. He posted $500 bond with the APD, Jones said, and was released at 3:30 p.m. Smith went through the standard booking procedure, which includes “gathering information” and having another mugshot taken, Jones said.

Smith, 19, was arrested for disorderly conduct outside the Lexington hotel — located just south of campus — at 1:42 a.m. Friday and transported to the Lee County Detention Center. Smith was sober and did not resist arrest, according to a redacted report obtained by the Opelika-Auburn News.

Jenkins was taken by ambulance to East Alabama Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries. Jenkins suffered a cut and “severe swelling around his eye,” according to the report.

APD released the redacted arrest report Friday. The Opelika-Auburn News obtained an additional, complete incident report Monday afternoon.

The following is the complete narrative portion of the report:
“On 8-21-2009 officers responded to a call in reference to a fight at the Lexington Hotel on S College St. While on scene officers witnessed the suspect, Eric Smith Jr., strike the victim, Decari Jenkins, in the back of the head, causing Jenkins to fall face forward onto the asphalt. Jenkins suffered a cut and severe swelling around his eye and was knocked unconscious. Smith stated that earlier this date Jenkins had punched him in the nose and when Smith saw Jenkins outside, Smith decided to punch him. Smith did appear to have blood coming from his nose at the time of the incident. Smith was arrested for disorderly conduct and transported to Lee County Jail unit 116 without incident. Jenkins was transported to EAMC by ambulance for treatment of his injuries. Jenkins was also explained the warrant process.”

Smith’s court date is tentatively set for Nov. 5, Dawson said.

According to Alabama code, assault in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor. The punishment for a Class A misdemeanor is not more than a $6,000 fine and one year in jail.

Smith was not at practice Friday, Saturday or Sunday and Auburn coach Gene Chizik has refused to offer any timeline for a potential return.

“If you see him in an Auburn uniform again I can guarantee you that he’s paid a price to be an Auburn man,” Chizik said Friday, “and he’ll be a lot better one at that point than he is now.”

Smith, a bulky tailback, saw playing time in all 12 games last season as a freshman, but ran for just 83 yards. A Tampa, Fla., native, Smith was poised to see a significant increase in playing time, as he’s been battling Onterio McCalebb, Mario Fannin and Dontae Aycock for the second running back slot behind starter Ben Tate.

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