Country music star Chris Young has been vindicated as all charges against him have been dropped, just days after he was arrested at the Dawg House Bar in Nashville. The singer faced charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and assault on an officer stemming from the incident. Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk announced the dismissal of the charges on Friday evening, stating, “After a review of all the evidence in this case, the office of the district attorney has determined that these charges will be dismissed.”
The arrest occurred when agents from the Alcoholic Beverage Commission arrived at Tin Roof on Demonbreun Street for a compliance check. According to an arrest affidavit, Young had his ID in hand above his head when agents entered the bar. His ID was scanned and verified, and the agents walked away. However, the affidavit claims that Young began asking questions, video recording the agents, and followed them to the Dawg House next door.
As the agents were leaving the Dawg House, Young approached them. The affidavit alleges that Young put his hands out to stop an agent from leaving the bar and struck the agent on the shoulder. The agent then pushed Young to create distance, citing concerns about Young’s slurred speech and bloodshot, watery eyes.
Young’s attorney, Bill Ramsey, contested the accuracy of the affidavit’s record of events and released video footage of the altercation. Ramsey argued that Young should never have been arrested and called on the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission to apologize for the harm done to his client.
The video footage shows Young reaching his hand toward an agent’s arm or shoulder, prompting the agent to shove him back. Young loses his footing, trips over a barstool, and falls to the ground. After getting up, Young backs away with his arms out to his side, and his friends intervene between him and the agent.
In response to the dropped charges, Ramsey stated, “Mr. Young and I are gratified with the DA’s decision clearing him of the charges and any wrong-doing.” The attorney previously characterized the incident as unjust, and the released video footage sought to present a different perspective on the events leading to Young’s arrest.
Chris Young’s new album, “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” is scheduled for release on March 22. The singer’s exoneration follows a high-profile incident that sparked controversy and discussions about the use of force during compliance checks.