GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Rapper The Game, accused of rowdy behavior and refusing to remove a Halloween mask in a shopping mall, was arrested Friday on a charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
"I'm here for a concert. I got arrested for signing autographs," the 25-year-old rapper from Southern California told television station WFMY after he was released on $500 bond. "Signing a little girl's autograph got me arrested."
But police said in a statement that The Game, whose real name is Jayceon Taylor, and a group of companions were behaving disruptively and swearing at Four Seasons Town Centre.
Mall security officers said Taylor was wearing a full-face Halloween mask and cursing loudly in front of other patrons, and refused when they asked him to leave, police said. When police arrived, Taylor continued to act up and was arrested, the statement said.
A 19-year-old companion, Michael J. Taylor, was charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer when he allegedly interfered with Jayceon Taylor's arrest. He also was freed on $500 bond.
Other members of the group were sprayed with pepper spray when they surrounded the officers in a threatening manner, police said. The incident was captured on videotape by a member of the group.
Jayceon Taylor said officers overreacted.
"They thought I was Rodney King, man. It was a case of mistaken identity," he told WFMY as he headed, belatedly, to a performance in nearby Winston-Salem. "It's unfair, man. Their behavior's unfair. ... Soon as I wake up in the morning, I'll be on the phone with my lawyers."
Police said they will conduct an internal investigation, as they do in all cases where officers use force.
Too good not to re-post!
ReplyDeletePerhaps The Game forgot to read the "Code of Conduct" that was probably displayed at the mall entrance...regardless, he must learn that what may be considered acceptable behavior in Compton may not fly in Greensboro!