AUSTIN (AP) -Texas freshman defensive tackle Andre Jones was arrested on a charge of aggravated robbery Friday, his 18th birthday.
Jones was charged in connection with a robbery at an Austin apartment complex on July 27. He was taken into custody by University of Texas police officers without incident, according to a statement issued by the Austin Police Department.
Bond was set at $40,000 on the charge of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, police said. An attorney for Jones could not immediately be reached for comment.
Texas coach Mack Brown issued a statement saying that team officials have spoken with Jones and his family and have decided to suspend him indefinitely, meaning he won’t be involved in any team functions pending the completion of legal proceedings.
“We are disappointed to hear about the recent allegations against Dre Jones,” Brown said. “They are very serious charges. We will cooperate with authorities through the legal process and support Dre any way we can.”
Former Texas safety Robert Joseph, who was suspended last month, has also been arrested in the case and faces the same charge.
The two are accused in a holdup in which cash, video game equipment and cell phones were stolen, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Witnesses to the incident said in the affidavit that they saw Joseph with a handgun and Jones acting as if he were reaching for a gun.
Jones, a 6-foot-5, 295-pound graduate of El Paso Andress, was a top high school recruit.
The Longhorns begin fall practices Monday.
Jones and Joseph are among four Texas football players who have been arrested over the summer. Two other players were arrested on driving while intoxicated charges, and Joseph was previously charged with burglarizing a vehicle.
Brown is disappointed in the players’ legal troubles. He said they do not reflect “the high standard of class, character and integrity we have established at Texas for many years.”
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