MIAMI — Rapper Polo G, born Taurus Bartlett, was arrested and booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 8 a.m. Saturday on several charges, including battery on a police officer, resisting arrest with violence and criminal mischief.
According to jail records, the 22-year-old, Chicago-born Bartlett’s bond on the five charges totals $19,500.
Miami police tweeted that they are “aware of the incident involving Mr. Taurus Bartlett, also known as Polo G, and another male juvenile. We will provide updates as they become available.”
According to a police report obtained by the Miami Herald, the car Bartlett was in was pulled over in the area of Biscayne Boulevard and Southeast First Street around 1 a.m.
Officer Brandon Carrero allegedly got into a struggle with Bartlett, according to witnessing officer Joseph Acuna.
Carrero and Bartlett “ended up in a struggle on the ground” and while Carrero was trying to handcuff Bartlett he was struck multiple times in the head, chin, forehead and cheek, according to the arrest report.
The report also says Acuna saw Bartlett atop the officer, swinging his elbows and making contact with Carrero who, the report says, has “multiple injuries.” The report lists an abrasion to the right upper forehead area, chin and swollen and slightly bruised right cheek area.
According to the report, after Bartlett was in custody he shouted to the officer, “I will kill you, I swear I will use these fists to beat the s--- out of you and knock your a-- out.”
In a video posted to Instagram, Polo G’s mother and manager, Stacia Mac, said that Miami police pulled over Polo G and his younger brother while they were riding in a car with security after an album release party for his latest, “Hall of Fame,” which was released Friday by Columbia. She said police have “made it difficult for her to check on her children.”
“My kids called me in a frenzy saying the police are behind them, 20 cars behind them,” she said, adding that “They refused to let me speak to my minor son, who is 16 years old.”
Polo G and his brother were headed to an after-party, according to his mother’s post. “They stopped them because they were driving while Black,” she said.
Miami police have not responded.
The post on Saturday morning generated comments from fans.
“Polo G, his girlfriend, little sister and minor brother were all harassed by Miami police and arrested!”
“#FreePoloG.”
Miami police have not responded to a request for details.
Polo G’s third album, “Hall of Fame,” was released June 11. The album’s third single, “Rapstar,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 24 and become his first chart-topper.
Polo G’s earlier singles include “Finer Things.” His second album, “The Goat” in 2020, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
