Busta Rhymes Arrested, Arraigned for Assault Charge

Busta Rhymes was arrested early Saturday evening (August 20) after his performance at Heineken’s Amsterjam Music Festival on Randall’s Island in New York City. According to the New York Daily News, the rapper was charged with assault in relation to an alleged August 12 incident where he is said to have attacked a man who spat on his car in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. According to the Daily News, unidentified police sources have stated that the arrest offered them an opportunity to question Busta about the February 5 shooting death of his bodyguard Israel Ramirez at the video shoot for the “Touch It (Remix).” Up until now, the rapper has refused to speak with authorities, although police believe that he can identify the killer who is thought to have fled the scene in G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo’s vehicle. Yayo has also refused to cooperate with police. Busta was arraigned last night (August 20) on a charge of third degree assault and released on his own recognizance, according to Barbara Thompson, a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Scott Leemon, one of the rapper’s attorneys is quoted as saying, “This is payback by the NYPD. He should have received a desk appearance ticket.” The NYPD countered that desk appearance tickets are not given for felony assault charges. The charges against Busta were eventually reduced to misdemeanor assault and harassment.