ASAP Rocky has been charged with felony assault with a firearm for his alleged role in a shooting in central Hollywood last year, the Los Angeles Timesreports.
“Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offense that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood,” L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón said. “My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted.”
Rolling Stone says Rocky is charged with “assault with a semiautomatic firearm with allegations of personally using a firearm.”
Rocky, 33, was arrested at LAX in April with “at least” 10 officers waiting for the arrival of a private jet returning from Barbados, TMZ notes. Rihanna was reportedly present at the time. In its press release, the LAPD described the Nov. 6 incident as “an argument between two acquaintances” that resulted in “the suspect firing a handgun at the victim,” who sustained a minor injury. The suspect then fled the scene with two others.
ASAP Bari claimed Rocky opened fire on Terell Ephron, a.k.a. ASAP Relli, who recently confirmed he was the victim. Ephron said he agreed to meet with Rocky to resolve a disagreement only to realize that the rapper showed up with a gun on him.
“Unbeknownst to Mr. Ephron, ASAP Rocky was not just planning for a conversation and came armed with a semi-automatic handgun,” Relli’s attorneys Jamal Tooson and Brian Hurwitz said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “After arriving at the location, a conversation ensued whereby without provocation, warning, or any justification, ASAP Rocky produced the handgun and intentionally fired multiple shots at Mr. Ephron.”
Prosecutors say Rocky pulled out a semiautomatic handgun and fired two shots at Relli. The LAPD conducted a search of his home following the arrest and found multiple firearms.
TMZ reports Relli filed a lawsuit against Rocky for assault and battery. Relli claims he needed medical attention after being struck on the hand by bullet fragments.
