Crime & Arrests

Less than one day before Jeff Hardy was accused of drunkenly driving his car through Florida highways ... the AEW star took a swig from a cup and made a joke that whiskey was "my best friend and my worst enemy."

The 44-year-old wrestler was filmed on Sunday evening making the comment -- some 12 hours or so before cops say he was driving a white Dodge Charger while severely intoxicated in Volusia County.

The video shows Hardy in Orlando for a wrestling convention (one in which his brother, Matt Hardy, also attended) ... singing for several people inside what appeared to be a conference room.

Jeff, discussing lyrics to a song, took a big sip of a drink, turned to the crowd and said, "Whiskey is my best friend and my worst enemy!"

The footage shows he then smiled, while people in the audience chuckled and shouted.

As we reported, Jeff was later arrested at around 9 AM on Monday morning by the Florida Highway Patrol for DUI.

During the stop, officers say he reeked of booze, could hardly stand during questioning, and admitted to drinking before getting behind the wheel. They added that two breathalyzer tests revealed he had a BAC of .291 and .294.

Hardy was charged with felony DUI and two other misdemeanors. He's due in court for a hearing on the matter in July.

Nipsey Hussle's alleged murderer, Eric Holder Jr., is standing trial in Los Angeles and prosecutors just laid out the details of Nip's shooting death in court ... and it's horrifying.

Deputy District Attorney John McKinney told the jury Wednesday ... after Holder gunned down Nipsey in a Crenshaw parking lot, Holder walked over to Nispey's bullet-riddled body and kicked him in the head.

The prosecutor also told the courtroom, Holder said to Nipsey, "You're through" ... with Hussle replying, "You got me," before Holder took off from the scene.

McKinney told the jury, Holder's kick to Nipsey's head shows it was a personal attack ... while Holder's public defender is trying to frame the case as something that happened in the heat of the moment.

You'll recall ... Holder was arrested a few days after Nipsey's shooting death, and he's charged with 1 count of murder, 2 counts of attempted murder (two other people were injured by gunshots during the incident) and 1 count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

Megan Thee Stallion is hopeful that Tory Lanez is not only found guilty for allegedly shooting her, but that he's thrown behind bars as well.

Meg -- who's in the middle of a criminal case involving Lanez in which he's alleged to have shot her in the foot in 2020 -- did an interview with Rolling Stone, in which she touched on the legal matter ... and says she wants him to serve time.

She says, "I want him to go to jail," adding ... "I want him to go under the jail." MTS said this after reflecting/questioning why the case is dragging out so long.

As you know, Tory has denied Megan's accusations and pled not guilty to the charges against him. While there've been bumps throughout -- including him being temporarily remanded to custody for violating a protective order -- it seems the case is going to trial in September.

Megan claims her foot was injured during the shooting -- saying she had to undergo surgery, and couldn't walk for days. She says, "Both of my legs wrapped up. I could not walk. I still have bullet fragments in my feet right now. I was very scared that I was not able to be Megan Thee Stallion no more. And, I was f***ed up."

Megan also addressed the other witness in the matter -- her ex-best friend, Kelsey Harris -- saying she feels like she's sided with Tory in the aftermath. An even more triggering result, she says, is the social media backlash she's received from people who don't believe her.

Jeff Hardy has been suspended by the AEW without pay following his DUI arrest on Monday, the org. announced Tuesday.

"We were able to resume contact with Jeff Hardy this afternoon," AEW President & CEO Tony Khan said in a statement. "AEW does not condone Jeff’s alleged behavior."

Khan said Hardy's ban will last until he successfully completes a treatment program and maintains his sobriety.

Khan added the AEW will "assist him in getting treatment for substance abuse issues, which he has indicated that he's open to receiving."

The 44-year-old wrestler signed with the org. this year after a lengthy run in the WWE -- and is considered one of the company's biggest stars. He was slated to wrestle in an AEW match on Wednesday.

As we reported, Hardy was arrested at around 10 AM on Monday morning in Florida, after cops say he drunkenly drove his car through Volusia County highways. He's since been hit with three charges, including felony DUI.

It's the third time since 2018 that Hardy has been accused of driving while impaired -- he was arrested for the alleged offense in North Carolina in '18 and then again in 2019.

"It was disheartening to hear the news about my brother yesterday," his brother, Matt Hardy -- who also wrestles in the AEW -- said in a statement Tuesday morning.

Three officers were apparently so concerned about the state of Jeff Hardy after they pulled him over on Monday morning, they each drew their guns and pointed them at the AEW star.

The frightening scene was all captured on police video, obtained by TMZ Sports, just before the 44-year-old wrestler was arrested in Volusia County for DUI by the Florida Highway Patrol.

In the footage, you can see after cops stopped Hardy's white Dodge Charger on a freeway after they said it had been swerving all over the road and driving erratically ... they walked to his car and appeared to shout orders at him through his closed windows.

Hardy, though, seemingly didn't comply -- which caused each officer on the scene to pull out their firearm.

Fortunately, Hardy eventually opened his car door without issue ... and the officers were able to get him out of his vehicle without incident.

In the footage, you can see Hardy -- wearing a Jacksonville Jaguars T-shirt -- was not steady on his feet ... and mumbled and whispered responses to the officers.

During questioning, Hardy appeared to admit to drinking shots of Fireball before getting behind the wheel.

Eventually, officers took Hardy away from the busy highway into a nearby parking lot to perform field sobriety tests.

Hardy, though, stumbled throughout each test ... and after several minutes, an officer slapped cuffs on the wrestling star and told him he was "under the arrest for the offense of DUI."

In police documents, officers say they tested Hardy's BAC through a breathalyzer back at the station ... and claim he blew a .291 and a .294.

Hardy bonded out of jail late Monday evening ... but was ultimately, according to court records, hit with three charges, including felony DUI as well as two misdemeanors.

Gold-selling Brooklyn drill rapper 22Gz was arrested on attempted murder charges early Sunday morning the moment he landed at JFK airport.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... 22Gz was in Atlanta since the shooting and may have thought the coast was clear for his Sunday Summer Jam performance ... but police caught up with him at the airport.

The snafu caused him to forfeit his appearance, as he was supposed to be a part of Hot 97's DJ Drewski's set.

The arrest stems from a March 6 shooting inside a Brooklyn party hall where 3 people were shot ... and police say one of the victims ID'd 22Gz as the shooter and provided officers with a detailed description of the "Twirlanta" rapper.

Despite the triple shooting ... we're told the injuries are not considered to be serious.

Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez ripped into 22Gz telling TMZ: "This shooting not only wounded the victim, but endangered the lives of everyone in a crowded club. Senseless gang rivalries fuel much of the gun violence in our communities and I remain committed to vigorously prosecuting anyone who engages in this criminal conduct."

In addition to the attempted murder charge, 22Gz is facing 2nd-degree assault and weapons charges for a pistol, along with a 1st-degree reckless endangerment charge.

Brittney Griner will remain in custody in Russia for at least another two and a half weeks ... the WNBA superstar's detention was just extended by a court until July 2.

The ruling was handed down on Tuesday, according to Russian state media outlet TASS, after investigators requested the extension.

The decision comes on the heels of U.S. State Department officials meeting with representatives from Brittney's current WNBA team, the Phoenix Mercury, to discuss ways to safely return the professional hooper to America.

Specific details of the meeting remain tight-lipped -- it's unclear who exactly attended or what was discussed -- but officials confirmed to the Associated Press the forum did indeed happen.

Gunna isn’t taking his incarceration lightly … evidenced by a fiery letter he’s written from jail where he says America is violating his Freedom of Speech rights.

In an open letter dated on his 29th birthday — Tuesday, June 14, the incarcerated “Pushin P” rapper speaks on how his breakout year was flipped after being part of a 56-count indictment that included Young Thug and several other YSL members.

He writes, “22 & 2, just a bed & a shower, no windows just walls. Can’t see or talk to anyone. I’m writing now & still praying everyday. I was raised to fight fire with water, even tho my country’s amendments have failed me! PROTECT BLACK ART!”

T.I., who’s had several run-ins with the law throughout his rap career, immediately swooped in with words of encouragement.

Sad thing is ... Gunna wasn’t lying about 2022 being his time to shine. His album “DS4EVER” beat out The Weeknd to go No. 1 and his gold-selling “Pushin P” record set a trend.

Thug recently also broke his silence — live at Hot 97’s Summer Jam ... urging fans to sign to the Protect Black Art initiative — as did Chris Brown, DJ Khaled, Post Malone, Polo G, Meek Mill and several other high-profile artists.

David Koechner looked a bit like a deer in headlights during his latest DUI bust -- one that couldn't stand up all that straight ... at least based on this police body cam footage.

The "Anchorman" star's run-in with cops in Ohio earlier this month can now be seen on video obtained by TMZ ... and in it, you see him bombing -- according to police -- some field sobriety tests after he's pulled over on the road.

The cop who ends up running the show actually has a funny little "I know you" encounter when he realizes who Koechner is, but it doesn't seem like he's too star-struck -- because he proceeds, trying to get a read on whether DK had one too many.

After going through the gauntlet of drunk exams, the cop ends up putting David in handcuffs -- telling him he's under arrest ... with the actor admitting this is his 2nd in 6 months.

We're told Koechner was arrested, processed at the station, and then eventually released with a court summons. The summons dings him on 3 separate counts ... driving while impaired, refusal to submit for a breathalyzer or urine sample and driving on a suspended license.

Britney Spears' ex, Jason Alexander, cannot contact or bother the singer in any capacity for at least the next 3 years, a judge just issued a restraining order against Britney's ex-husband ... and also hit him with a felony stalking charge.

Alexander pled not guilty at his arraignment Monday on charges stemming from last week's wild incident -- in which he filmed himself sneaking onto the Ventura-area compound where she was set to get hitched ... only to be detained following a scuffle with security/law enforcement.

The judge also added a felony stalking charge to Alexander's case and set his bail at $100,000 ... and he'll have to surrender any firearms he may have in his possession.

As we reported, cops say JA was armed with a knife during the episode, and an emergency protective order was issued on Britney's behalf -- ordering him to steer clear of her and Sam.

He was booked for trespassing, vandalism and battery, for which he could possibly enter a plea Monday. And, he still has another case against him from Northern California ... where he's alleged to have committed grand theft.

In that case ... a woman claims he jacked a pricey bracelet of hers while crashing at her pad in 2015, listed as being worth $2,000. The Napa County Sheriff's Office issued a warrant for Alexander's arrest shortly thereafter in 2016 -- but he's dodged it thus far, it seems.

NBA forward Montrezl Harrell has been charged with drug trafficking after cops say they found three pounds of weed in his car during a traffic stop in May ... and is now facing time behind bars.

According to the Charlotte Observer, the 28-year-old was pulled over by a Kentucky state trooper around 10 AM on May 12 for driving a 2020 Honda Pilot rental too close to the car in front of him ... and during the stop, cops claim they smelled marijuana.

The report says Harrell admitted to having weed on him and pulled a "small amount" from his sweatpants ... but when cops searched the vehicle, they claim to have found a backpack filled with three pounds of weed in vacuum-sealed bags.

Harrell's arraignment was scheduled for Monday morning.

Harrell -- who played college ball at the University of Louisville -- was charged with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana ... a Class D felony for first-time offenders that could result in up to five years behind bars and a fine.

Two people have been arrested in the shooting death of rapper Slim 400, months after he was gunned down while sitting in a driveway ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources say they arrested a man and a woman Thursday in connection to the December murder, we don't yet know their identities or if they knew Slim 400 personally. We're told the arrests were the result of a search warrant that will be sent to the D.A.

You'll remember, the entire thing was captured on a Ring cam in Inglewood ... you see a suspect walk up a driveway before confronting Slim and firing a series of shots. Slim attempts to go after the suspect, but collapses.

Shortly after the attack, he was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Slim was just 33.

AEW star Jeff Hardy has been arrested again, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Jail records show he was booked in Volusia County, Fla. on Monday morning ... and took a mug shot.

Details surrounding the specific allegations against Hardy are unclear ... but court records show he's been charged with felony DUI, misdemeanor violating restrictions placed on driver's license, as well as misdemeanor driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked.

The records show he's due in court Tuesday for a hearing on the matter.

It's the third time since 2018 that Hardy has been accused of driving while under the influence. In March 2018, he was charged with DWI in North Carolina after getting into a car wreck. He was arrested again for DWI in North Carolina in Oct. 2019.

In the months following the 2019 arrest, Hardy admitted he had problems with substance abuse on the "After The Bell" podcast with Corey Graves ... saying on the show that he was receiving professional help.

Hardy was slated to wrestle with his brother, Matt Hardy, on AEW Dynamite later this week. It's unclear if that match will still go on.

Story developing ...

Star boxer Errol Spence Jr. has pleaded guilty to DWI ... nearly three years after he was accused of driving drunk when he horrifyingly crashed his Ferrari in Dallas.

32-year-old Spence Jr. entered the plea last week, according to the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, and was sentenced to three days in jail, though he was given credit for three days time served, a D.A. spokesperson tells TMZ Sports.

In a statement following the disposition of the case, Spence Jr. admitted to drinking before getting behind the wheel on the night of the 2019 crash, and vowed to warn others of the dangers of drunk driving going forward.

"Don't drink and drive," he said in a statement. "Not one drink. It's not worth it."

As we reported, Spence Jr. nearly died during the Oct. 10, 2019 incident ... losing control of his Ferrari and flipping it several times in the wild crash.

Spence Jr. was ejected from the vehicle -- but somehow suffered no broken bones or serious ailments in the wreck.

"I was hanging out and having some drinks with some friends and ended up wrecking my car and nearly killing myself," Spence Jr. said of the crash following his plea. "Fortunately, no one else was involved in the accident and I am most grateful for that."

Young Thug still found a way to be at Hot 97's Summer Jam even though he's locked up on RICO charges -- thanking fans for their support during an uncertain time.

We caught Young Thug's somber, yet uplifting message from inside MetLife Stadium where he urged fans and onlookers to help fuel the Protect Black Art initiative, a law that could prevent prosecutors from using rappers' lyrics in court against them.

“I just want to say thank you to all of my friends and my family for coming out and supporting us,” Thug began. “You know, your support during this time means a lot to us, ya know.”

"You know, this isn’t just about me or YSL, I always use my music as a form of artistic expression, and now I see that Black artists and rappers don’t have that, you know, freedom,” he continued. “Everybody please sign the ‘Protect Black Art’ petition and keep praying for us. I love you all.”

Team YSL has been getting plenty of support from fellow high-profile rappers like Drake and Lil Baby, with Meek Mill being the latest as he took time outta his Summer Jam set to double down PBA support.

Roddy Ricch won't be on stage for his Governor's Ball performance in NYC today -- instead, he's in NYPD custody for multiple gun charges ... TMZ Hip Hop has learned.

Roddy and his crew were stopped at a security checkpoint for the huge festival going down in Queens this weekend, and according to law enforcement sources ... officers say they found a loaded firearm inside the vehicle he was taking to the show. Cops say there about 9 rounds of ammo as well as a large capacity magazine.

We're told the "Cooped Up" rapper was arrested, along with 2 other people riding in the vehicle. Roddy's been hit with 4 counts of criminal possession of a weapon, possession of a large capacity ammo feeding device and unlawful possession of that device.

The festival had to break the news to sad fans ahead of his performance.

It's been a rough go of it for the Governor's Ball this weekend. After Migos pulled out early this week, Lil Wayne signed on to fill their headlining spot -- but just hours before his Friday night set, he also canceled due to a "flight disruption."

A$AP Ferg took Wayne's slot. No word yet on who, if anyone, will be able to replace Roddy.