Police share update on Alan Ritchson fight after speaking with actor
Police have shared a critical update concerning the brawl between Alan Ritchson and his neighbour Ronnie Taylor.
The pair came to blows in a quiet suburb in Brentwood, Tennessee on Sunday (22 March).
TMZ initially shared footage that appeared to show Ritchson - star of Reacher, War Machine and Smallville - repeatedly striking Taylor while he was already down on the ground in front of two children.
Taylor, who appeared to suffer superficial facial injuries but didn't need to go to hospital, said he originally approached Ritchson to complain that he was driving his motorbike noisily around the street, disturbing the peace. He claimed Ritchson 'beat the cr*p' out of him.
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Then, new body cam footage, which appeared to have been filmed by the 6'3'' film star, revealed how the pair's war of words escalated to physical violence.
Police said at the time they were investigating the incident, and have now delivered a crucial update.
In an official statement to TMZ, the Brentwood Police Department said: "After reviewing available evidence, including video footage and witness statements, authorities determined that no criminal charges will be pursued.
"Mr. Ritchson’s actions were found to be in self-defense."
In fact, the only charges considered were against Taylor, after the body cam footage appeared to show him stepping out in the road in front of Ritchson's bike, potentially jeopardising his safety.
The statement continued: "Although a potential reckless endangerment charge was considered, Mr. Ritchson declined to pursue charges.
"With the agreement of the District Attorney’s Office, the case is now closed, and no further action will be taken."
Taylor had claimed that Ritchson and his kids were speeding down residential streets on motorbikes without considering neighbours or their kids.
It led to him confronting the Reacher actor for his actions, though in an ensuing physical altercation, he would end up on the ground.
In the body cam footage, a man who appears to be Taylor can be seen stepping into the road in front of the motorcycle, which appears to be driven by Ritchson.
The driver reacted by pushing him over and saying: "Are you f**king kidding me, bro? Stand in front of a f**king bike again, dude. You threatened my f**king safety, bro."
The man believed to be Taylor says: “I’ve called the BPD [Brentwood Police Department]. I’ve called them already because you’ve been driving around this f**king neighbourhood like a f**king lunatic. There’s kids running around here.”
The driver hits back: "Where? Unbelievable, dude. I should have run you over, dude.”
The other man insists: "You did. You did."
The below video contains strong language:
After the man believed to be Taylor blocks the bike a second time, the driver beats him to the ground, saying: “Are you f**king out of your god damn mind? Stay down. Are you f**king stupid? Jesus Christ.”
The other man yells: “I’ll call the police. That’s assault. Your assaulting me is all on camera.”
Following the incident, Ritchson took to Instagram to post a Napoleon Bonaparte quote: "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
Joshua Nair