NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — YouTube video has circulated of Newport News Police investigating rapper Young Dolph’s tour bus and entourage on January 28.
The bus was parked outside Boathouse Live, where Young Dolph was performing to a crowd of about 850 people.
"Some Newport news police officers smelled marijuana coming from the bus," said Sean Pepe, owner of Boathouse Live.
According to Pepe, no arrests were made and the show went on.
"I understand Young Dolph was upset, and I can argue rightfully so," said Pepe.
Young Dolph released this statement on social media:
"Last night in Virginia why 15 officers came to my tour bus lookin' for me? Cause I’m black? Cause I’m a rapper? Cause I’m rich? Why y’all have my boys out in the cold searching them?”
Pepe said it’s not the first time a tour bus with known affiliations with marijuana has been parked outside his venue, but never before does he remember the police getting involved.
"Well Willie Nelson’s bus was here, I mean granted Willie wasn’t on the bus, but his son was," said Pepe. "I think you can make the argument that any national act, maybe not any, but some, like to smoke marijuana. Who cares?"
Pepe and many of his regulars also say they trust the Newport News Police and don’t believe this was in any way racially motivated.
"You know it’s just the police force trying to enforce the laws as they are, I just think it went a little overboard," said Gracie Callaway.
However, Mitch Kirsner said he believes this incident is a black eye for Newport News when it comes to attracting musical acts.
"It deters a lot of acts from coming and it deters people coming here to see acts like that," said Kirsner.
13News Now reached out to the Newport News police, but they declined to comment.