DMX Arrested On Weapons Charges
DMX and his wife, Tashera, have been arrested on weapons charges. The hardcore rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, turned himself into the Teaneck (N.J.) Municipal Court on Wednesday after authorities searched the couple's home Monday evening. A warrant for the search has been issued as part of an investigation of the shooting of Simmons' uncle and manager, Ray Copeland; the attack, which ocurred on Sunday, left Copeland with a wounded foot. Detective. Lt. William Cohen of the Ft. Lee (N.J.) Municipal Police, which is heading the Copeland investigation, declined to comment upon whether DMX was a suspect in the case. That investigation is ongoing.
According to Detective Sgt. Mike Falvey of the Teaneck Municipal Police, authorities seized from DMX's home a Tec-9 semiautomatic handgun, bulletproof vest, large-capacity bullet clip, and hollowpoint bullets, all of which are illegal in New Jersey. The police also seized 14 pit bulls, which were being kept in a manner that violated local laws and potentially threatened the animals' well-being, according to the authorities. The dogs were turned over to the ASPCA.
DMX and his wife were charged with possession of an assault weapon, possession of a high capacity magazine, possession of hollow-nosed bullets, and possession of drug paraphernalia. In addition, DMX was also charged with possession of a weapon for unlawful use.
DMX was released yesterday on $50,000 bail, while his wife was released on $2,500 bail. No court date for a trial had been set at press time.
DMX burst on to the music scene last year, issuing two albums within an eight-month period. Both of the Ruff Ryder/IDJMG sets - "Flesh Of My Flesh Blood Of My Blood" and "It's Dark And Hell Is Hot" -- debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200. This week, they stand at No. 78 and No. 98, respectively.
Wednesday's arrest was the rapper's fourth in 13 months. In May, he was charged with assault after allegedly beating a motorist; the same month he was picked up in connection to a stabbing at a Denver concert. Charges for the latter were dropped due to a lack of evidence. In June 1998, he also was wrongfully accused of raping a topless dancer; a DNA test proved his innocence.