The NYPD has arrested local rapper Christopher Dupree for dancing on top of a B-26 bus while brandishing a flamethrower. Dupree turned himself into police custody at the 79th Precinct house on Nov. 18, ten days after the apparent self-promoting stunt.
What We Know:
- Police state, at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 8, officers responded to a 911 call regarding criminal mischief and a fire in progress at a man on a bus with a flamethrower.
- When officers arrived at the location, the bus was gone and there was no crowd. After attempting to interview possible witnesses, no one came forward and the 911 caller wished to stay anonymous. The officers identified the call as baseless due to a lack of evidence at the time.
- A video was posted online showing Dupree, who goes by the artistic name Dupree G.O.D, jumping on the bus at the intersection of Putnam and Franklin Avenue. The NYPD was informed of the viral video on Nov. 17 and settled the case within 24 hours.
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- Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison stated:
“At points in the video, the roof of the bus was ignited by the lighter fluid. Thankfully, the bus did not catch on fire, and no one on the bus was injured. Phenomenal work by the 79th Precinct Detective Squad investigating this case and closing it within 24 hours.”
- “I did it for art. I did it for Wutang Clan,” stated Dupree when asked about the stunt. “What I did wasn’t reckless. I want to thank God.”
- Dupree turned himself in after being dropped off by his lawyer. He was also seen being tested for COVID-19 on site.
Dupree was charged with two charges of reckless endangerment and one charge of criminal possession of a weapon.
