An Ethan Couch arrest warrant-like order has been issued for the Texas teen, whose "affluenza" defense allowed him to escape jail time for killing four people in a 2013 drunken-driving crash, after his juvenile probation officer failed to get in contact with him.
A judge has issued a "directive to apprehend" — the juvenile equivalent of an arrest warrant — for the 18-year-old after both he and his mother failed to respond to communication from the
probation officer, NBC Dallas Fort-Worth reported.
"We have recently learned for last several days the juvenile probation officer has been unable to make contact with Ethan or his mother, with whom he’s been residing," Couch's attorneys said in a statement. "It’s our understanding that the court has issued a directive to apprehend to have Ethan detained (sic) because he is out of contact with his probation officer. We do not have any further information concerning this situation. It would not be appropriate for us to publicly discuss this matter further at this time."
Couch was just 16 when he lost control of his Ford pickup on June 15, 2013, hitting and killing four people huddled on the side of the road to help a woman whose car had stalled in
southern Tarrant County, the Star-Telegram reported. The teen reportedly had a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit and Valium in his system at the time.
His case made headlines when Couch's defense argued that he is a victim of "affluenza," a state of reckless or irresponsible behavior brought on by wealth, according to the newspaper. He was ultimately sentenced to 10 years' probation and therapy.
Earlier this month, a six-second beer pong video surfaced on social media. A blond man who appears to look like Couch is shown halfway through the clip laughing and clapping.
Officials would not comment on whether the video is legitimate or if Couch will face any charges for allegedly drinking, which would be a violation of his parole, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
In October, Couch settled the last civil lawsuit connected to the 2013 crash, agreeing to pay Luke McConnell $60,000. McConnell, who was 13 at the time, was injured but
survived the crash, WFAA.com reported.