‘Reacher’ star Alan Ritchson acted in self-defense in neighbor altercation, police say
“Reacher” star Alan Ritchson acted in self-defense during an altercation with a Tennessee neighbor that was caught on video, police say.
Video of the incident was first reported by TMZ on Sunday and appears to show Ritchson punching a man in a blue shirt in the torso while he was on the ground. The video does not show what happened before the physical fight.
The Brentwood Police Department said it investigated Sunday’s incident and determined through video and witness statements that Ritchson acted in self-defense.
Representatives for Ritchson did not respond to a request for comment.
Ritchson stars in the Amazon series “Reacher,” based on the books by Lee Child. The main character, Jack Reacher, is a former military policeman who solves crimes as a vigilante.
The neighbor, Ronnie Taylor, declined to comment Tuesday to NBC News. He told TMZ that Ritchson and his two children were riding their motorcycles Sunday afternoon through the neighborhood at a high rate of speed and revving the engine loudly.
“I don’t wish this guy any malice or ill will, but we just don’t need people driving through neighborhoods like this,” Taylor said. “I just decided, you know, I’m going to take a stand.”
Taylor told the outlet that he asked Ritchson to slow down when the situation got worse.
Footage from Ritchson’s point of view was posted to a social media account not associated with the actor. It appeared to come from a camera strapped to his chest while he was riding his bike.
The video was posted on TikTok. A spokesperson for the Brentwood Police Department confirmed the video was authentic and part of an investigation into the altercation.
The video shows Ritchson on the motorcycle when a man, Taylor, steps in front of the motorcycle, forcing Ritchson to stop. Music appears to have been added to the video and plays over the sound of the two men speaking.
Ritchson approached Taylor and said Taylor was threatening his safety. Taylor then points the finger while criticizing Ritchson for his behavior, saying he was driving “like crazy,” according to the video.
The actor walks away as Taylor asks him to “go ahead, call the police.” Ritchson appears to return to his bike to leave, but it is unclear based on the angle whether he is heading toward Taylor or whether Taylor is approaching Ritchson.
“Move, man,” Ritchson said before revving the motorcycle’s engine. The two men make contact and Ritchson falls.
Ritchson can be seen getting up and the two are scrambling. The “Reacher” star tells Taylor to “stay down” after pushing him to the ground and appears to punch him when Taylor tries to get up. Ritchson then gets back on his bike and Taylor can be heard talking about contacting the police and saying, “By the way, your assault is all on camera.”
Police cleared Ritchson of any wrongdoing but said a charge of reckless endangerment was being considered. However, Ritchson declined to press charges, police said.
“With the agreement of the District Attorney’s Office, the case is now closed and no further action will be taken,” police said.
