PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida

Tampa Police Investigating Club Fight Involving Chris Brown

Chris Brown
soccerluver

Police in Tampa are investigating an incident at a nightclub where a photographer said he was "sucker punched" by singer Chris Brown.

Tampa police spokesman Stephen Hegarty says 28-year-old Bennie Vines Jr. was hired by Aja Channelside to take photos during an event hosted by Brown.

Vines told officers that while he was snapping photos early Monday, Brown punched him. Brown was gone by the time officers arrived. Vines refused medical treatment and told officers he wants to prosecute because of a minor lip cut.

The club confirmed the incident on its Facebook page Monday and apologized to patrons.

Brown, singer of the hits "Run It!" and "Deuces," completed probation in a 2009 felony assault case for an attack on singer Rihanna, his then-girlfriend.

An email to the representative listed on Brown's website was not immediately returned.

Copyright 2020 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7. To see more, visit .

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email