Rygin King, a prominent figure in the dancehall music scene, was arrested in New York on Monday, facing multiple charges related to the possession of firearms and ammunition. The artist, whose real name is Matthew Smith, is currently confined to a wheelchair and was taken into custody alongside five other individuals.
The arrest took place early in the morning on Sunday, July 8, at around 4:30 a.m., as confirmed by the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information (DCPI) office of the 113th Precinct in New York. During a routine traffic stop, police found Smith in the front passenger seat of a vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, officers reportedly discovered a loaded 9mm Palmetto State Armory handgun in Smith’s possession.
Smith faces a series of serious charges, including:
The driver of the vehicle was also charged with several offenses, including improper signaling, fraudulent impersonation, and violations of vehicle and licensing laws.
Court records from New York State indicate that Rygin King was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charges. An addendum on the court docket noted that the charges included “the appearance of section 110 in front of the charge,” indicating an attempt to commit the crime. Smith’s legal representation in court was handled by Marc B. Laykind, a court-appointed attorney, who was unavailable for immediate comment.
The arrest was publicized by the 113th Precinct’s Midnight Public Safety Team on the social media platform X, where they also displayed a picture of the gun and ammunition allegedly seized from Rygin King. The announcement did not name the Jamaican entertainer but confirmed the details of the arrest.
Rygin King, aged 29, rose to fame with the release of his hit song “Tuff” and solidified his reputation with a performance at Reggae Sumfest in 2018. Despite his musical success, Rygin King’s career has been marred by personal and legal challenges. In 2020, he survived an attack in Westmoreland where he was shot three times by unidentified assailants. The attack resulted in severe spinal cord injuries and the death of his manager’s wife.
The upcoming court proceedings will determine the legal outcome for Rygin King, who is scheduled to appear in Queens Supreme Criminal Court on Friday, July 12. The charges he faces are serious and carry significant potential penalties if he is found guilty.
The arrest of Rygin King adds another chapter to the tumultuous life of the dancehall star, whose resilience and talent have won him a dedicated fanbase despite his ongoing struggles.