
Country artist Tim McGraw released a statement on Thursday (6/15) to "clarify the many inaccuracies and misstatements" he feels have been used to explain his arrest in Buffalo, N.Y. earlier this month.
McGraw and fellow country singer Kenny Chesney were arrested on Saturday, June 3, after Chesney allegedly took a law enforcement officer's horse without permission and McGraw allegedly attacked the officers who caught Chesney, according to New York's Erie County Sheriff's office. The incident took place at Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium, where the two were participating in a performance by George Strait
"I was just coming off the stage in Buffalo when I saw a police car burst into the private artist area going incredibly fast," said McGraw via his statement. "My first thought was for the safety of my children who were playing there. I saw two officers leap from their car and run towards Kenny, who was riding a horse. Kenny raised his hands as if he were surrendering, yelling he had permission to ride the horse, when they reached up and began to rip him from the horse."
According to a statement issued by the sheriff's office immediately following the incident, the daughter of the sheriff's deputy who owned the horse gave Chesney permission to sit on it, but he reportedly rode away on the animal without permission.
"Fearing for Kenny's safety, I ran over to offer assistance," continued McGraw's statement. "At no time did I ever throw any punches or put anyone in anything remotely resembling a choke hold. One of the officers pulled his nightstick and hit me at least 3 times on my leg. The other officer kept saying this was all a misunderstanding."
Chesney was charged with disorderly conduct and released on $100 bail. McGraw was charged with assault, obstructing governmental administration, menacing and resisting arrest. He was released on $2,500 bail.
"I am confident that once the district attorney has had the chance to fully investigate, all the charges will be dropped and justice done," said McGraw.
McGraw's management company said the singer's legal issues are not expected to affect his upcoming tour with wife Faith Hill.