MC Hammer, aka Stanley Kirk Burrell, was arrested Thursday evening in Dublin, California (about 15 miles east southeast of Oakland, CA) while sitting in his car in a shopping center.
MC HAMMER @MCHammer
chubby elvis looking dude was tapping on my car window, I rolled down the window and he said "Are you on parole or probation?"
MC HAMMER @MCHammer
While I was handing him my ID he reached in my car and tried to pull me out the car but forgot he was on a steady donut diet. ..
MC HAMMER @MCHammer
It was comical to me until he pulled out his guns, blew his whistle and yelled for help (MallCop) !!! But make no mistake he's dangerous...
I have no idea what 'reasonable suspicion' a police officer could have of someone sitting in their car in a shopping mall, presumably minding their own business. I don't know why you get to walk up to some random person in their car, tap their window and then ask them flat out if they are on parole or probation, even if you are all powerful a cop.
When asked to comment on the rapper's version of the arrest, ((Dublin Police Services Sgt.)) Walters wrote in an email, "We patrol the area of Hacienda Crossings Shopping Center, especially at nighttime hours. That is about all I can say for now."
All I can say is that it's never happened to me.
We're both techies. We're not even that different in age. Hell, he's infinitely more religious than I am, and it's a sure bet he drives a much nicer looking car than I do. There must be something different about us that I can't quite put a finger on...
MC HAMMER @MCHammer
I will now answer his question, contrary to his personal beliefs, all people of color are not on parole or probation fat boy !!!
Oh. Of course. I get it now. Duh. He can sing and I can't!
If you can't rap worth shit the odds must be bazillion to one against some cop asking if you are on probation if you are parked in a shopping mall.
Hammer, an Oakland native and Tracy resident... was arrested at the Hacienda Crossings shopping center on suspicion of obstructing an officer in the performance of their duties and resisting an officer, according to Dublin police Lt. Herb Walters. He was booked and released at Santa Rita Jail, Walters said, adding that police do not believe either alcohol or drugs were involved in the incident.
In truth, MC Hammer IS privileged in a way -- they didn't hold him for 48 hours -- as they are entitled to -- or more in the shithole that is Santa Rita on his obstruction and resisting arrest charges as were Occupy protesters in Oakland on many occasions.
What comes next? He's looking to 'make the most of' this ridiculous affront.
"Instead of being bitter, I'm taking the opportunity to make this a 'teachable moment' and 'eye opener' for my many friends & colleagues."
Friday morning, Burrell appeared at San Quentin Prison as a mentor in the "Last Mile" program, which helps prison inmates prepare for new lives out of custody by encouraging them to develop smartphone and computer apps.
Here's a few twitter reactions to his arrest. I'm particularly fond of that last one.
DJ Twin Spin @DJTwinSpin
@MCHammer makes me embarrassed to say I live in Dublin with cops like that. Sorry to hear what happened.
Don Dodge @DonDodge
@MCHammer you showed great restraint at his totally unacceptable behavior. You are the stronger man in every way. Good for you!
David Albizo @David_Albizo
@MCHammer On behalf of the human race, I apologize. #badcopnodonut
6:00 PM PT: MC Hammer speaks about the death of Alan Blueford:
6:49 PM PT: Incident makes the Washington Post
7:21 PM PT: Additional Info from CNN article:
Police in Dublin, east of Oakland, said Hammer was in a vehicle with expired registration and he was not the registered owner.
"After asking Hammer who the registered owner was he became very argumentative and refused to answer the officer's questions," police spokesman Herb Walters wrote Saturday evening in an e-mail to CNN...
Hammer, 50, was booked and released on bail from Santa Rita Jail, Walters said. A court date is next month, and police have until that time to decide on any charges.
7:22 PM PT: Oops. Link to CNN article
8:08 PM PT: A bit more info:
The department told KTVU that it would not release the rapper’s mug shot.
Born Stanley Kirk Burrell –- his name was legally changed to MC Hammer, according to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.
This sure looks like his mug shot, though.