T.I. arrested for disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, and assault
Rapper T.I. was arrested on Wednesday for disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, and simple assault. The news of the arrest was confirmed by the Henry County Police Department in Georgia.
As reported by E!News, the Deputy Chief Mike Ireland confirmed the news. According to the Henry County Sheriff's Office, T.I. was detained at around 6 am in the morning and released around 7.50 am based on his own recognizance. He paid a bail of a $2,250 to get himself out of jail.
The news was broken by Channel 2 Action News who reported that the rapper had returned home to the gated community where he lives around 4 am in the morning and did not have his keys. When the guard refused to let him enter, T.I. reportedly said, "Don't you know who I am?"
The news outlet claimed that T.I. then called a friend and they both started to argue with the guard. However, according to T.I.'s attorney, Steve Sadow, the rapper called his wife who confirmed that he should be allowed entry.
The Henry County Police Department was called to the scene. Mike Ireland believes that the guard himself made the call to the police department.
According to police, T.I.’s friend had a warrant out for his arrest. T.I. was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
T.I. spoke to the Blast post the incident, and claimed that the charges were racially motivated. He also said that the officers who arrested him are "white cops in a very white area." The rapper said the guard "antagonized" him and there was a "very heated debate" but slammed reports that there was an assault
Many fans and followers took to social media platforms to share their views on T.I.'s arrest:
Steve Sadow released a statement on the behalf of T.I. and referred to him as "Tip" in the statement. "Tip was wrongfully arrested early this morning when he attempted to gain entrance into his gated community —where his wife 'Tiny' and his family reside."
"The guard was sound asleep when Tip arrived at the guardhouse. It took Tip some time to wake up the sleeping guard. Tip clearly identified himself and sought entry. The guard refused entry," he stated.
"Tip was in contact with 'Tiny' by phone and 'Tiny' confirmed that Tip should be let in immediately. The guard continued to refuse entry without justification. Words were exchanged and apparently, the guard and/or a supervisor called the police. When the police arrived, they were not interested in hearing Tip's side of the story and wrongfully chose to end the situation by arresting Tip," he continued.