NASHVILLE (CelebrityAccess) – In an unexpected twist in the country music scene, Chris Young found himself in a bit of a legal hoedown on Monday (January 22). The country music singer/songwriter faced charges including assault of an officer after an altercation with officers for the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) in Nashville, according to NBC News.
According to court documents, the incident occurred at approximately 8:30 pm; TABC officers were conducting routine compliance checks at the Tin Roof bar on Demonbreun Street when they encountered Young. The 38-year-old was asked to show his identification along with the other patrons in the bar and restaurant. The melee unfolded near the Country Music Hall of Fame, giving a whole new meaning to a Nashville night out. You can view the affidavit HERE.
During the compliance check, Young started to ask the compliance officers questions and then proceeded to follow them around the bar as they checked the IDs of other patrons. When the officers left the Tin Roof and went next door to the Dawg House, Young and others continued to follow the officers. Young was talking to the bartenders and patrons at the Dawg House, and when the officers went to leave the establishment, Young allegedly stuck his hand out and “struck” an officer on the shoulder.
According to the TABC officers, this is when the environment turned hostile. They arrested Young and charged him with disorderly conduct, assaulting an officer, and resisting arrest. Young, with his bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, became the center stage attraction for two agents who decided it was time to break out the handcuffs. The country crooner was officially booked into jail just after 10 pm.
Young was released on a $2,500 bond early Tuesday (January 23). His first official court date is on February 16 in General Sessions’ court
Though the Alcoholic Beverage Commission commonly has the right to request patrons in establishments that serve alcohol to show proof of ID, it occasionally results in misunderstandings or even altercations as patrons feel the practice is intrusive. Some consider these checks similar to “stop and frisk” policies that have been legally challenged in some states and localities.
This legal hoedown, however, may have a few twists. Nick Beres of New Channel 5 in Nashville obtained surveillance footage challenging the TABC’s claims. Young’s lawyer argues that the country singer followed the officers from Tin Roof to Dawg Bar because they had snapped a photo of his ID. The lack of uniforms on the officers made it unclear if they were genuinely from TABC and if Young was simply trying to verify their identity.
In the video, Young reaches out to stop the first officer, resulting in the reported “struck” moment. The officer responds with a shove, sending Young back into the bar and eventually onto the floor.
Young won the fourth edition of the television talent-search series “Nashville Star” at age 20 in 2006. He went on to win popular support and critical acclaim. His song “Think of You” was nominated for best country duo/group performance at the Grammy Awards in February 2017. On the same day of the incident, Young posted on Facebook touting his next album, Young Love & Saturday Nights, set to be released on March 22.
