Surveillance footage of Chris Young's altercation with a Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission employee could “tarnish” the officer's memory of the event, legal experts say.
Young, 38, was arrested Monday night and charged with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. By Wednesday, the country music star's attorneys had asked for the charges to be dropped after bar surveillance footage was leaked that apparently contradicted authorities' accounts. The TABC official accused Mr. Young of punching him in the shoulder.
Devin McRae, a partner at Arley Sullivan Wright Geyser & McRae, said, “The fact that the officer appears to have stated in his affidavit that he was hit like this… does not indicate that it actually happened.'' It doesn't seem like it's a problem,” he told Fox News Digital. “So that could undermine his entire affidavit, not just the details of it, but everything around it.”
McRae added that the video is the “best evidence” of what actually happened Monday night.
Country music star Chris Young charged with assaulting police officer for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct
Chris Young's defense team has released footage of an altercation between the country music star and a Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission official. (Getty Images/Bill Ramsey)
“It's essentially the best evidence of what happened, rather than someone trying to testify what happened based on their memory,” McRae said. “Then the jury will know what actually happened.
“Video, if authenticated and admitted into evidence, could be very powerful to juries because they can independently assess the reliability of a witness' or participant's recollection,” said partner Brian M. Sullivan. This is because it provides a basis for making decisions.” He told Fox News Digital that he was with the same company. “Generally, and because it is human nature, people tell their own version of events in a way that shows them in the best light possible.”
McRae noted that the chopped surveillance footage could pose some “problems.”
“There can be some issues with integrity because you don't know what happened before and after,” he explained. “Surveillance only shows part of the story.”
Chris Young was arrested Monday and charged with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. (Courtesy of Liquor Commission)
According to an affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, TABC representatives claimed Young “punched” her in the shoulder and pushed the singer.
Police said they forced Young, who they didn't know at the time, to “keep their distance” and began to involve other bar patrons. The video only shows Young holding out his hand to block the officer from passing, the video said.
WATCH: Country star Chris Young's arrest raises questions after security footage
The TABC affidavit alleges that Young had to be physically restrained in handcuffs while his co-workers continued to make the situation “hostile.” “Mr. Young's eyes were bloodshot and watery, and his speech was slurred,” the officer wrote.
According to the affidavit, the argument between Young and the deputy began at the Tin Roof Bar in Nashville around 8:30 p.m. Young's ID was verified by officers who completed a compliance check at the bar, after which the singer followed the group to the Dawghouse Saloon, where the assault on the police officer allegedly took place.
Like what you’re reading? Click here for more entertainment news
The “Famous Friends” singer's attorney requested the charges be dropped in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.
“What happened to my client, Chris Young, at a Nashville bar on Monday night was wrong and he should never have been arrested and charged in the first place,” attorney Bill Ramsey said in a statement. . “In light of the video evidence, ABC of Tennessee needs to drop the charges and apologize for the physical, emotional, and professional harm it caused my client.”
WATCH: Country star Chris Young's lawyer calls for charges to be dropped after new video raises questions about arrest
Asked for comment on the situation, a TABC spokesperson told FOX News Digital, “This matter is pending in Davidson County General Court and we are unable to comment further at this time.”
Former federal prosecutor Neema Rahmani told Fox News Digital that video and surveillance footage will allow people and authorities to be “held accountable” in court.
“Witnesses can lie, even law enforcement witnesses,” he said. “But video doesn't lie. Video surveillance and cell phone cameras have changed the game. Years ago, incidents like Rodney King's were an anomaly. Now, police officers They are held accountable for misrepresenting facts and evidence.”
Click here to sign up for our entertainment newsletter
Duncan Levin, Harvey Weinstein's former lawyer, echoed Rahmani's comments.
“There is no question that in cases like Chris Young's, surveillance footage plays an important role in solving the case,” Levin said.
“This footage certainly raises legitimate questions about the accuracy of the arrest affidavit, and both sides should hope that the truth comes out.” “In general, surveillance and cell phone video are having an increasing impact on criminal trials. There is no more impartial witness than a recording to reveal what actually happened.
Chris Young won the “Nashville Star” singing contest in 2006. (Getty Images)
“Cameras are now ubiquitous and have become more commonplace in many criminal trials. Surveillance footage captures details that may be overlooked or misrepresented in written reports. , provide critical evidence. Their ability to corroborate or contradict eyewitness testimony makes them a valuable tool in the pursuit of justice.”
young gained fame After winning the singing contest “Nashville Star” in 2006, she signed with Nashville's RCA Records and released her debut album the same year.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The country music star's first single, “Drinkin' Me Lonely,” first peaked at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot Country chart and later reached No. 1.
Young has released eight studio albums. He released his latest album “Famous Friends'' in 2021 and is set to release his latest album “Young Love & Saturday Nights'' on March 22nd.
