UPDATE: The LVMPD is dropping battery charges against Chris Brown after the man who had accused the singer of punching him decided to withdraw the complaint, the Associated Press reports.
The Las Vegas metropolitan police department has named Chris Brown a suspect in an alleged assault that took place on Monday, CNN reports. The singer is accused of punching a man during an early-morning basketball game at the Palms Casino Resort. Brown's accuser says the players argued, at which point he was struck by Brown, and then hit by a man accompanying the recording artist.
"A verbal altercation on the court led to a physical fight and the victim was punched by another male subject who was later identified as...recording artist Chris Brown," Las Vegas police announced in a release to media.
Brown was not available for questioning when the LVMPD visited his hotel. If he fails to sign a citation for misdemeanor battery, the case could be submitted for prosecution. Brown just finished his five-year probation stint in March, which he received as punishment for his 2009 felony assault against then-girlfriend Rihanna.
Nicole Perna, Brown's publicist, denied his involvement in a statement to CNN.
"Chris is currently in Las Vegas as he is performing at Drai's on May 5th and receiving a Key to the Strip that day as well," Perna said. "He has a suite at the hotel that has a basketball court and invited friends to come play. An unruly individual showed up uninvited and was removed from the premises. Chris was not in an altercation with this person."
Stay tuned as more details emerge.