The Bronx rapper Lil Tjay, born Tione Jayden Merritt, was arrested on Monday outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood casino in Florida following a shooting incident involving fellow artist Offset, per vibe.com. While Offset was hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries, Merritt has been charged with first-degree misdemeanor disorderly conduct and a separate traffic violation rather than weapons-related offences.
Police detained the 24-year-old rapper following an altercation at the venue that reportedly escalated from prior tensions regarding a gambling debt. Merritt was booked into the Broward County Jail late Monday night, with records showing a $500 bond for the disorderly conduct charge and a $2,500 bond for the traffic offence.
Legal representatives for Lil Tjay have moved to clarify the nature of his involvement. Defence attorney Dawn M. Florio issued a statement denying online speculation that the rapper was responsible for the gunfire or had been wounded himself. Florio confirmed that while Offset sustained injuries in the valet area of the casino, her client has not been charged in connection with the shooting itself.
A spokesperson for Offset confirmed the former Migos member is in a stable condition at Memorial Regional Hospital. The rapper is currently receiving medical care and remains under observation.
The Seminole Police Department stated that a second person was detained at the scene but has not been charged. Detectives are said to be continuing their investigation to identify additional individuals involved in the disturbance.
•Featured image: Lil Tjay attends RapCaviar Presents James Harden & Friends at Bayou Music Center on August 28, 2021 in Houston, Texas/Rick Kern/Getty Images for Spotif
