NEW ORLEANS, LA. (THECOUNT) — The New Orleans Police Department has arrested a man in connection with the sucker punching incident of comedian Andy Dick.
The NOPD arrested David Hale Wednesday morning after a tip was submitted to Crimestoppers, according to morning reports.
|
Advertisement |
Police said Hale was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on suspicion of second-degree battery and simple battery, reports WDSU.
A motive in the attack was not provided by officials.
Dick, 53, was sucker punched and knocked unconscious while exiting French Quarter nitespot, One Eyed Jacks on Saturday night, according to reports.
The blind side punch caused the entertainer to fall and strike his head on the pavement, according to witnesses, who said Dick was “knocked out cold” for at least 15 minutes around 2:20 a.m. Saturday.
Dick had finished performing at the One Eyed Jacks nightclub on Toulouse Street early Saturday when he exited the club onto the street where a crowd awaited.
As Dick prepared to enter an Uber vehicle, he was viciously “sucker punched” by an unknown assailant.
The force of the hit caused Dick to fall over a motorcycle and slam his head to the cement curb area.
A musician, also performing at the venue, witnessed the brutal punch and said that he was unable to communicate with Dick and that he was unconscious for at least 15 minutes as he lay flat on his back in the street.
Dick was rushed to an area hospital where he was placed in ICE and observed for possible “brain bleed.”
Dick eventually regained full consciousness and was alert and talking to reporters on Monday. He confirmed that he was “knocked out 100 percent for 15 minutes.” He did not provide an update on his condition as he spoke from a decorated wheelchair.
Robert Couvillion, the promoter of the New Orleans appearances, said that there was no reason for Dick to expect to be attacked after his appearance at One Eyed Jacks, reports NOLA.
“Andy was on his best behavior,” Couvillon said. “Some of his shows are a little wilder. Every show is different. This show was mostly story telling. He didn’t disrespect anyone.”
Couvillion said that he and another man chased the alleged attacker, who escaped.
“I’m honestly stumped, flabbergasted,” Couvillion said of the reason for the attack.
A State Police spokesman said troopers did not make any arrests, issue any citations or obtain any warrants in connection with the case on Toulouse or any incident involving “that particular comedian.”
Couvillon said someone who recognized the attacker gave his name to the performer’s camp, who turned it over to law enforcement. It wasn’t clear if that man was considered to be a suspect in the case.
Dick scheduled performances have been canceled for the foreseeable future.
DEVELOPING::
Geo quick facts: New Orleans is a Louisiana city on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the “Big Easy,” it’s known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Embodying its festive spirit is Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival famed for raucous costumed parades and street parties – wikipedia.