Local fan says he was attacked at Snoop Dogg Concert

[ABlairican Pie]

Snoop Dogg's security team attacked him, Kent man says

By Jennifer Sullivan

Seattle Times staff reporter

A Kent man claims he was assaulted by Snoop Dogg's private security staff and the rap star's entourage during a concert Saturday in Auburn.

Richard Monroe, 24, said he was invited onstage during a concert by Snoop Dogg and performers The Game and Oowee at the White River Amphitheater.

In home-video footage of the concert, Monroe placed his hand on Snoop's shoulder during the performance of the song "Gin and Juice" before being knocked down and beaten. Monroe claims the rap star's staff also stole his diamond earrings, wallet, cellphone and other jewelry.

Snoop is seen in the video, but it is unclear if he is beating Monroe.

"This Snoop Dogg character fell and injured his thumb" during the scuffle, said Deputy Travis DeFries, a spokesman for the King County Sheriff's Office. "He was treated on scene."

Though there were several off-duty deputies at the concert working as security for the amphitheater, they weren't involved in the assault, DeFries said. An ambulance took Monroe from the concert to Auburn Regional Medical Center to be treated for a broken nose and other injuries.

Sheriff's investigators are handling the case as an assault, and if they determine charges might be warranted, they will file their report directly with the King County Prosecutor's Office instead of making arrests, DeFries said.

Meredith O'Sullivan, a spokeswoman for the rap star, said in a statement yesterday that Monroe "jumped onto the stage uninvited and approached the performers. Once a breach of security has been made, authorities are forced to take the proper measures to ensure safety."

When contacted at home yesterday, Richard Monroe Sr., the injured man's father, said his family declined to make any comments. He wouldn't say whether his son has hired an attorney.