Country star Chris Young's surveillance video 'could undermine' officer's version of events: expert

 Surveillance footage of an altercation between Chris Young and a Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission officer may "undermine" the agent's memory of the events, according to a legal expert.

Young, 38, was arrested Monday evening and charged with assault on an officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. By Wednesday, the country music star's legal team had called for the charges to be dropped after surveillance footage from the bar emerged that clearly contradicts authorities' version of events. The TABC officer accused Young of striking him in the shoulder.

"The fact that the officer said in his affidavit that he was assaulted ... it doesn't seem that way," Devin McRae, a partner at Early Sullivan Wright Geiser & McRae LLP, told Fox News Digital. "So, it could undermine the integrity of their affidavit, not just about that detail, but everything around it."

McRae said the video is the "best evidence" of what really happened Monday night.

"It's essentially your best evidence of what happened, rather than someone trying to testify to what happened based on their memories," McRae said. “So, the jury has to look at what actually happened.

Brian M. Sullivan, a partner, “If the videos are certified and accepted as evidence, they can be very powerful to the jury because it provides the basis for the jury to make their own decisions about the credibility of witnesses and participants' recollections.” gives." The same firm told Fox News Digital. "Generally, and this is human nature, people tell their own version of events that presents them in the best possible light."

McRae explained that the cropped surveillance footage could create some "problems".

"There may be some problems with completeness because we don't know what happened before or after," he said. “Surveillance only shows part of it.”

According to an affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, the TABC agent claimed that Young "hit" her on the shoulder, causing her to push the singer.

The officer said he encouraged Young, whom he did not know at the time, to "create distance" and other bar patrons joined in. According to the footage, the video allegedly shows Young moving forward only to block the officer from passing

The TABC affidavit claimed Young had to be handcuffed and physically detained while his colleagues continued to make the situation "hostile." "Mr. Young's eyes were bleeding and watering, and his speech was slurred," an officer wrote.

The affidavit says the fight between Young and the agent began at the Tin Roof Bar in Nashville around 8:30 p.m. Young's ID was checked by agents completing compliance checks at the bar, and the singer followed the group to the Dog House Salon, where the officer was allegedly attacked.

In a statement shared with Fox News Digital, the "Famous Friends" singer's attorney asked for the charges to be dropped.

"What happened to my client Chris Young in a bar in Nashville on Monday night was wrong and he should never have been arrested and charged," said attorney Bill Ramsey. "In light of the video evidence, Tennessee ABC needs to withdraw the charges and apologize for the physical, emotional and professional harm it caused my client."

Asked for comment on the situation, a TABC spokesperson told Fox News Digital, "This case is pending in Davidson County General Sessions Court, and we are unable to comment further at this time."

Former federal prosecutor Nema Rahmani told Fox News Digital that video and surveillance footage allow people and officers to be "held accountable" in court.

"Witnesses can lie, even law enforcement witnesses," he said. "But video doesn't lie. Video surveillance and cellphone cameras have changed the game. Years ago, cases like Rodney King were an anomaly. Now, police officers are being held accountable when they misrepresent facts and evidence."

Harvey Weinstein's former defense attorney Duncan Levin echoed Rahmani's comments.

"There's no doubt that, in cases like Chris Young's, surveillance footage plays an important role in solving a case," Levin said.

"This footage certainly raises legitimate questions about the accuracy of the arrest affidavit and both sides want the truth to come out," he said. "In general, the impact of surveillance and cellphone video on criminal prosecutions has become increasingly important. There is no more impartial witness than a recording that sheds light on what really happened.

“Cameras are everywhere now, and are a very common part of many criminal prosecutions. Surveillance footage can provide vital evidence, capturing details that may be overlooked or misrepresented in written reports. It has the ability to confirm or refute eyewitness testimony, making it a valuable tool in the pursuit of justice."

Young rose to fame after winning the singing competition "Nashville Star" in 2006. They signed with RCA Records Nashville and released their debut album that same year.

The country music star's debut single, "Drinkin' Me Lonely", first peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot Country chart and later reached the number 1 spot.

Young has released eight studio albums. They released their most recent album, "Famous Friends", in 2021 and will release their latest album, "Young Love & Saturday Nights", on March 22.