Soulja Boy arrested on suspicion of firearm possession: Reports
The Grammy-nominated rapper, born DeAndre Cortez Way, was apprehended by LA authorities during an early-morning traffic stop on Sunday, Aug. 3, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Variety and NBC4 Los Angeles. Soulja, 35, was reportedly the passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over at the intersection of Melrose and Genesee avenues.
Police told Variety and NBC News that a firearm was spotted inside the vehicle, which led to the rapper's arrest on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
USA TODAY has reached out to the LAPD and representatives for Soulja Boy for comment.
Soulja Boy legal trouble: Rapper found liable of sexual assault, kidnapping of former assistant
The "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" emcee's arrest comes after he was found liable for assault and kidnapping allegations brought by a woman who claimed she was his former assistant.
In the civil trial, the anonymous assistant was awarded more than $4 million in compensatory damages, according to a release from her attorney.
Diddy's latest legal move: Rap mogul requests overturn of conviction or new trial after 'discriminatory' use of law
In a statement to USA TODAY in April, Soulja's attorney, Rickey Ivie, said the evidence presented in the case "does not support the verdict."
"It is unfortunate that aspersions and misperceptions of a culture were allowed to influence the trial," Ivie said. "Mr. Way fully intends to pursue his post-trial remedies and to fight for a just result in this case."
Contributing: Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY
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