Big Easy Beat Down: R&B Star Tank Attacked By New Orleans Cops

R&B star Tank was arrested and tasered during the early morning hours on President's Day.

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-bred and Washington, DC-raised singer (born Durrell Babbs) was outside of the House of Blues in New Orleans, where the singer was attending a function in association with NBA All-Star Weekend, when he was allegedly attacked by the New Orleans police officers for defending a female companion.

The "Maybe I Deserve" crooner is saying he didn't deserve being manhandled and tasered by four local authorities, who he feels used excessive force before arresting him.

The 32-year-old vocalist was allegedly leaving the performance venue and on his way to an awaiting car service when he and his companion discovered that Decatur Street had been blocked off because of an alleged shooting.

The situation apparently then took a turn for the worst when Tank questioned the approach of the cantankerous cops, who were aggressively arguing with his female guest. It was then that the alleged attack on the singer took place.

Ira Dewitt, a psychologist who accompanied the singer, said that officers also got physical with her and that she ended up on the ground as well. According to Dewitt, all but one of the officers were white.

Tank was taken to New Orleans University Hospital to be treated before officers took him to jail.

The singer was charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Dewitt bailed him out later that morning.

He's was in court on Tuesday, Feb. 19 and has retained the services of the Law Office of Bernard L. Charbonnet, Jr. to handle the issue.

On Feb. 20, Tank released a statement about the incident.

"The most frustrating part of the entire incident is knowing that I did not do anything to pose a threat but was treated like a criminal. With a clean-cut image and a lady by my side, the law took matters into their own hands and chose to endanger my safety and those accompanying me. It's 2008 and New Orleans is still very much in trouble beyond the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I'm a living witness," he vented.

The 'Sex, Love & Pain' singer was recently nominated for two Grammys for his junior R&B album.

Tank is in the process of recording an album with fellow R&B singers Tyrese and Ginuwine under the name T.G.T., which is slated for later this year.

Earlier this year, BV Buzz reported that Tank was the father of two new babies.

The singer had a new daughter named Zoey Mykhale Babbs by a dancer name Zena Mykhale. He also has a new son named Durrell Babbs, Jr. by a radio personality named Alysse Stewart.

Tank already has two other daughters by his ex-wife.

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VIDEO: Tank singing 'Heartbreaker' live

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