Michael K. Williams Cops Looking for Drug Dealer ... In Apparent Fatal OD

Michael K. Williams' death of an apparent drug overdose has triggered a criminal investigation ... because law enforcement sources tell TMZ cops are trying to locate the drug dealer.

Our law enforcement sources say NYPD detectives are conducting an investigation into the origin of the narcotics cops found at the site of the actor's death over the weekend ... which we're told are believed to be heroin-based.

As we reported ... Michael was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment, and authorities found drug paraphernalia. An official autopsy has yet to be conducted ... but we're told drugs seem to be at play. A toxicology report should provide answers, but that could be weeks away.

A relative found Michael after not hearing from him for a few days ... and once he was discovered, a swarm of NY officials descended on his Brooklyn high-rise.

Michael, of course, had a prolific career ... and might perhaps be best known for his award-winning role as Omar in "The Wire." He also starred in "Boardwalk Empire," "12 Years a Slave" and "Lovecraft County." He was working up until recently ... with a few projects in the can, and a handful of others released in the past year or so.

He was 54.

RIP

'The Whitest Kids U Know' Signs Trevor Moore Fell to His Death

"The Whitest Kids U Know" star Trevor Moore appears to have fallen to his death from an upstairs balcony at his home ... at least that's what the police investigation's turned up so far.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... police and fire responded around 2:30 AM on Aug. 7 for a medical emergency at Trevor's home in L.A., where he was found unresponsive in the backyard and pronounced dead by paramedics.

We're told cops believe the comedic actor fell from the upstairs balcony, suffering head trauma when he landed -- however, it's unclear if he fell accidentally or intentionally jumped.

There was no suicide note found, but alcohol might have contributed -- we're told empty bottles were found in Trevor's house.

We're told the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner is still waiting on toxicology reports and will make the final determination on Trevor's cause of death.

Trevor, famous for co-founding the sketch comedy group "The Whitest Kids U Know," was 41.

RIP

Alaska Airlines Passenger I Got Booted for Being Fat in a Sports Bra ... Alleges Harassment, Discrimination

UPDATE

1:53 PM PT -- 9/7 -- Howard tells us the airline refunded her 3 tickets and offered her a discount code for future purchases, however, she tells us she'll never use the code because she won't fly AA again.

A woman who seemingly got kicked off a flight for wearing a revealing outfit believes she was also harassed and discriminated against because of her weight ... and possibly other aspects of her appearance.

Ray Lin Howard shared a video on TikTok of the apparent aftermath of getting booted from her Alaska Airlines flight Friday, in which police are questioning her about what went down.

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

She tells the cops she was wearing a sports bra -- she shows them too -- and was told by the flight attendants to cover up ... so she says she did with a pink leopard print shirt.

According to Howard ... that didn't satisfy the airline staff and she kept getting harassed because her stomach was showing, and she was ultimately removed from the flight.

The cops imply she was booted for violating the airline's dress code -- something she rebuts -- but tell her it doesn't look like she acted criminally in any way.

In a follow-up TikTok, Howard says she was eventually released and the airline contacted her to apologize and offered her a discount on future purchases.

However, she tells Jam Press that this was about more than her outfit, saying ... "I felt like I was being discriminated against for being a fat, tattooed, mixed-race woman, which in turn left me full of emotions like anger, disappointment, helplessness, humiliation and confusion."

She also described the incident as the worst example of "fatphobia" she's encountered in her life.

We reached out to Alaska Airlines, who say they're in contact with the guest and "committed to finding out what happened and taking the appropriate actions." Alaska adds, "It's our goal to provide caring service to all of our guests. When we don't live up to that goal, we do everything we can to make it right."

Originally Published -- 9/6 11:24 AM PT

Machine Gun Kelly Accused of Shoving Parking Attendant ... His Camp Denies It

Machine Gun Kelly's first time directing a movie is already eventful -- a parking lot attendant is accusing him of battery ... something folks on the movie set say simply did not happen.

Law enforcement sources tell us the L.A. parking attendant filed a police report claiming MGK was upset over a delay in getting his car, and allegedly pushed the attendant in the chest. However, we are told by sources close to MGK this is completely false. The alleged incident happened in a lot where MGK and his pal Mod Sun are shooting "Good Mourning with a U"

The duo's co-directing and starring in the film, along with Megan Fox, MGK's GF. Anyway, production sources say the attendant in question had wandered into the middle of their on-location shoot.

They claim the attendant was barking at a crew member, not MGK, to get out of the lot -- apparently, he didn't get the memo about the movie shoot. During that argument, we're told MGK yelled at the guy to get off the set, but at no point did he make physical contact with the attendant.

Worth noting, the attendant waited almost a week before reporting the alleged battery to police. Also, he didn't suffer any injuries and he told cops there were no witnesses. That's interesting because he was on a movie set -- we've spoken to multiple people who were there and did see it.

Our sources say, if anything, the case will probably end up at the L.A. City Attorney's Office.

If the Britney Spears battery investigation is an indication, the MGK case may be rejected for the same reasons -- insufficient evidence and no injury to the alleged victim.

Filmmaker Takeshi Kitano Attacked with a Pickaxe

Takeshi Kitano, the famed Japanese actor/director, was attacked with a pickaxe by a man who was angry Kitano wouldn't help him break into showbiz.

Kitano was leaving the TBS studio in Tokyo Saturday night when the attacker used the pickaxe to smash his car windows and demanded Kitano get out of the vehicle. Fortunately, the attacker was subdued and then arrested. Kitano was not injured.

Police say the suspect is in his 40s and was carrying a knife with a 4-inch blade.

As for why the man attacked ... he reportedly was angry the 74-year-old icon snubbed him back in June when he kneeled in front of Kitano's car ... begging to give him an entree into the entertainment industry.

Kitano's credits include "Hana-Bi," for which he won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival and "Outrage."

Wrestling Star Daffney Unger Died from Apparent Gunshot Wound to Chest

Former wrestling star Daffney Unger died from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest ... according to a police report obtained by TMZ.

As we reported, Daffney was found dead Thursday after she appeared on her IG Live the night before in what appeared to be a suicidal state, stating ... "Do you guys not understand that I am all alone? Do you not understand that?" And then she said, "Remember, my brain goes to Boston"

Police went to Unger's home in Norcross, GA Thursday for a welfare check. According to the police report, they were met by Daffney's mom, Jean. They knocked at the door but there was no answer, so they left without trying to gain entry.

They came back a second time a few hours later, and this time they saw Daffney's car parked near the apartment. A maintenance man gave cops a key but it didn't unlock the deadbolt. So, the fire department was called and they broke open the door and found Daffney's body on her bed ... a gunshot wound to her chest and a gun within reach.

The medical examiner has yet to determine the official cause and manner of death.

Daffney was battling mental health issues for weeks before her death and had urged others who were in the same predicament to get help.

The 46-year-old wrestled in the WCW and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.

Elijah McClain's Dad Justice Looks Like Life in Prison ... For Indicted Cops, Medics

090221-elijah-mcclain-kal
LOOKING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
TMZ.com

Elijah McClain's dad would like to see those indicted for his son's death spend the rest of their lives behind bars.

Elijah's dad, LaWayne Mosley, tells TMZ ... he was ecstatic when he got the call from the Colorado Attorney General's Office to inform him about the 32-count indictment against the 3 Aurora PD cops who stopped Elijah in 2019, and the 2 Aurora Fire Dept. medics who responded to the arrest.

LaWayne, flanked by civil rights attorney Mari Newman, didn't mince words when he said he'd like all of them to do life in prison. He said, "I would love it."

LaWayne said he has hope justice will be served, and Newman added ... she trusts the process because Colorado AG Phil Weiser has run a thorough investigation. She's adamant Weiser wouldn't have brought these charges if he didn't believe they could get convictions. Now, it's wait and see.

For the moment ... LaWayne and Newman want these indictments to make all officers think twice before taking actions that kill people.

As we reported ... the 5 people tied to Elijah's death were slapped with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges. Two of the officers -- Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt -- face additional charges ... 2nd-degree assault with the intent to cause bodily injury.

As you know ... Elijah was walking home 2 years ago when he was stopped and accosted by police because he seemed "suspicious." One of the cops could be heard saying as much in since-released body cam footage.

Elijah was eventually put in a carotid hold before he passed out. Medics are alleged to have administered a lethal dose of ketamine, which prosecutors believe killed him.

Britney Spears D.A. Won't File Charges ... Over Alleged Battery

Britney Spears can rest a little easier after the ugly incident in which her housekeeper accused her of battery ... we've learned the singer will NOT be charged with a crime.

The Ventura County District Attorney's Office tells TMZ ... prosecutors decided NOT to file any criminal charges against Britney for misdemeanor battery.

The D.A. says the office declined to file charges "based on insufficient evidence that a crime had occurred and the lack of injury to the housekeeper or significant damage to the phone."

Britney's attorney, Mathew Rosengart, tells us "As I have previously-stated, this was nothing more than sensationalized-tabloid fodder -- an overblown 'he said, she said' regarding a cell phone. If this involved Jane Doe rather than Britney Spears it would not have been pursued or covered at all."

He continues, "Anyone can make an accusation but this should never have made it this far and we are glad the DA’s Office has done the right thing. Sadly, it is apparent that some have learned nothing from the past, and we sincerely hope the media and others will be more respectful of Ms. Spears in the future."

081921-britney-spears-kal_2
PUPPY LOVE
@britneyspears / Instagram

We broke the story ... one of Britney's longtime housekeepers accused her of battery during an argument over Brit's dogs, with the housekeeper claiming Britney slapped her phone out of her hands.

As we reported, the housekeeper called deputies to Britney's home, but later went to a Ventura County Sheriff's station to file a report, and the Sheriff's Dept. launched an investigation.

As we first told you ... Britney's dogs were taken to a vet after her dog sitter and housekeeper believed the pets were being neglected ... and that's what triggered the confrontation between Britney and her housekeeper.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Dept. wrapped up its investigation into Britney's housekeeper's claim and forwarded its findings to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.

We were told the case basically boiled down to Brit's word against the housekeeper's story -- the housekeeper claims Britney struck her in the arm, while Britney claims all she did was swipe the phone out of her hand.

We're told the Sheriff didn't know which version was true, and the case was ultimately forwarded on to the D.A. to make the final call.

As we reported, our Britney sources were confident nothing would come of the allegations ... and ultimately that's what happened.

Meanwhile, we're told the housekeeper is no longer working for Britney and the dogs are back in the house.

Bev Hills Police Sued for Alleged Rodeo Drive Racism ... Cops Named Resign

090121_ben_crump_kal
IMPLICIT RACISM
TMZ.com
UPDATE

12:33 PM PT -- Crump, flanked by co-counsel Mark T. Harris, just revealed 2 of the officers they filed claims against -- Dowling and Asst. Police Chief Marc Coopwood -- have resigned.

UPDATE

Crump said this case is not over following their resignations and wants to see them held accountable. One of the plaintiffs in the suit, Khalil, also spoke and said he spent a night in jail as a result of his arrest. He called the experience he and Jasmine endured traumatizing.

UPDATE
090121_ben_crump_presser_kal
ARRESTED FOR BEING BLACK
Fox 11
UPDATE

For its part ... Beverly Hills Police Chief Dominick Rivetti said Khalil and Jasmine were warned on the day in question that riding a scooter on the sidewalk in Bev Hills is prohibited.

UPDATE

Rivetti said at that time no enforcement action was taken but "when committing the same violation later the same day" cops took action. Rivetti claims Khalil and Jasmine were taken into custody after they provided false information to a police officer.

UPDATE

The police chief also defended the task force ... claiming that in a 5-week span the team recovered 13 loaded firearms from individuals on Rodeo Drive, over a quarter-million dollars in cash and fraudulent unemployment benefit cards with a potential value of $3 million.

UPDATE

10:17 AM PT -- Crump joined "TMZ Live" and said if discrimination in policing isn't addressed it leads to the George Floyds, Breonna Taylors and Jacob Blakes of the world. He said, "Unchecked implicit bias, unchecked racism leads to death for Black people."

UPDATE

Simply put ... Crump says he's trying to send a message to the Beverly Hills PD "that it is not OK to arrest Black people for being Black on Rodeo Drive."

The Beverly Hills police are being sued over allegations it targeted almost nothing but black people on Rodeo Drive to arrest ... in some cases, for minor infractions.

Renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump claims in a new lawsuit ... the City of Beverly Hills created a police task force to patrol the famed street for violations of law, and the result was 106 arrests ... and 105 of those taken into custody were black.  The one remaining arrestee was Latino. BTW, Crump says the Latino could have easily been mistaken as black.

The 2 named plaintiffs in the lawsuit -- Jasmine Williams and Khalil White -- say they were visiting Bev Hills a year ago and riding scooters on the sidewalk, when they were stopped by Bev Hills cops. They were handcuffed and taken into custody.  According to the suit, prosecutors dropped the case.

100220_salehe_bembury_bodycam_kal 10/1/2020
THE JAYWALK STOP
Beverly Hills PD

The lawsuit claims examples of other "crimes" for which people were arrested included roller skating, jaywalking and traffic infractions in Beverly Hills.

The lawsuit references another incident last October involving Salehe Bembury -- VP of Sneakers and Men's Footwear at Versace -- who claimed he was detained for jaywalking.

100220_salehe_bembury_police_4861257 10/1/2020
THE ENCOUNTER

According to the suit, BHPD Captain Scott Dowling, who is also named as a defendant, directed officers "to seize, interrogate, use force, falsely arrest, and maliciously prosecute any African-Americans who traveled on Rodeo Drive" with the sole purpose of "keep[ing] out African-Americans, who were deemed as 'criminals.".

We've reached out to the Beverly Hills PD for comment, so far no word back.

Originally Published -- 10:02 AM PT

Elijah McClain Aurora Cops, Medics Indicted ... Over His 2019 Death

The family of Elijah McClain -- the unarmed Black man killed in Colorado 2 years ago during a run-in with cops -- feel they just got a measure of justice, because those involved in his death have just been indicted.

Colorado AG, Phil Weiser, announced the 32-charge indictment Wednesday against 5 people tied to McClain's 2019 detainment and subsequent medical transport -- slapping 3 Aurora PD cops (2 current, 1 former) and two Aurora Fire medics with two counts each ... manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

Two of those officers -- Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt -- face additional charges ... 2nd-degree assault with the intent to cause bodily injury. The indictment comes after Weiser was tapped as a special prosecutor to investigate ... this following massive public outrage.

Weiser says he handed over his findings to a grand jury this past January -- and now, some 8 months later, it seems they've found sufficient evidence to bring these folks to trial.

You might recall ... McClain was walking home on August 24, 2019 when he was stopped by the three officers mentioned, who apparently accosted him because he seemed "suspicious" -- which one of the cops can be heard saying in since-released body cam footage.

Before long, things escalated ... and the cops had McClain in a carotid hold, among others for quite a while. He passed out during the struggle -- and the medics are alleged to have administered a lethal dose of ketamine, which prosecutors believe kill him.

The incident occurred well before George Floyd's case gripped the nation last year -- but was among the many high profile stories that led to mass protests for Black Lives Matter.

Elijah's father, LaWayne Mosley, is said to have wept tears of joy upon hearing the news during a call with Weiser, saying ... "Nothing will bring back my son, but I am thankful that his killers will finally be held accountable."

Rikishi Niece Killed In Shooting ... Wrestler Begs For Help Finding Suspects

Hall of Fame wrestler Rikishi says his niece was tragically murdered in a shooting earlier this summer ... and now, he's pleading with the public for help in finding who did it.

Rikishi re-posted a flier Tuesday from the San Francisco Police Department ... which he says spells out the horrific details of his niece's death on July 30.

In the bulletin, cops say they responded to a report of a shooting at around 6:45 PM ... and learned a 45-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl had been shot.

Police say the 45-year-old was treated for her injuries and is expected to survive ... though they say, tragically, the 16-year-old died from her wounds.

Rikishi says the 16-year-old is his niece, Jaedah Tofaeono, and he pleaded with the public to "PLEASE HELP FIND THESE MOTHERF*****S."

"Need your help," Rikishi added. "They murdered my niece In the BAY AREA 16yrs old ... Check it .. Spread the word."

The SFPD says it's offering a $50K reward for "information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for the murder."

Officials urged anyone with info on the case to call 1-415-553-9099.

Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley Bomb Threat At Fight ... Caller Claimed 17 Devices Planted In Arena

An hour before Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley took the ring Sunday night, a man contacted police and said he planted 17 bombs around the arena and was going to blow the place up, TMZ Sports has learned.

According to a police incident report, cops got a call from a person claiming to be from Afghanistan around 10:15 PM ... stating he placed pipe bombs underneath the stage, in the bathrooms and under seats at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, where the fight went down.

The man -- who said the bombs were going to go off in minutes -- told cops he was targeting non-believers, who he believed should be killed. He told police Paul was a non-believer.

The caller stated he planted the devices 1.5 hours before the event started.

At one point, the caller told authorities they should evacuate the arena ... as the bombs were about to detonate.

FYI, there were reportedly about 16,000 fans in the buiilding.

Police dispatched the bomb unit -- including a bomb sniffing K9 -- and swept the building.

Thankfully, it seems it was an empty threat or terrible prank ... 'cause no explosive devices were located.

A police spokesperson told us no arrests have been made ... and the investigation is ongoing.

As for the action in the ring, Paul beat Woodley via split decision. The fighters seemed to agree to a rematch -- assuming Woodley gets a tattoo that says "I Love Jake Paul" on his leg.

Dog The Bounty Hunter's Daughter Arrested For Domestic Violence ... No Charges For Now

Dog the Bounty Hunter's stepdaughter got into an argument with her lover and punched him in the face ... at least that's what he told cops, who busted her for domestic violence.

According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, cops in Honolulu got a call just before midnight on July 31 about an argument at a residence, and when they got there the alleged victim told officers Cecily Barmore punched and bit him.

Cecily's man, whom we're told she's been with for 5 years, told police the couple was drinking before she became verbally and physically abusive. He says she punched him on both sides of his face and bit his upper back, leaving a mark with swelling and bruising.

The alleged victim also told cops it wasn't the first time Dog's daughter physically abused him ... claiming it's happened several times before and he finally got sick of her alleged behavior and called police for the first time.

Cecily was placed under arrest for misdemeanor abuse of a household member. EMS responded but did NOT end up taking him to the hospital.

The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office tells us they've declined to file charges, but prosecutors have up to 2 years to change their mind if new evidence surfaces.

Cecily confirms there was an incident, but tells us it was an "altercation where a man struck me and said vile things about the memory of my dead mother."

She says, "I used proportional response, disabled the aggressor, and stood up for the memory of my mom. She would have handled it quite the same way, I can assure you.'

Cecily adds ... "If you put your hands on Cecily Chapman you will get your ass kicked," and says cops decided not to press charges, so she considers the matter resolved.

082021-bonnie-cecily-chapman-kal
WE SHOULD BE THERE
TMZ.com

As we've told you ... Dog is beefing with Cecily and another one of his daughters, Bonnie, over a wedding snub.

Child Actor Matthew Mindler Dead at 19

Matthew Mindler, the child actor who went missing earlier this week, has died ... law enforcement tells TMZ.

The college he attended confirmed his death with an announcement to the student body ... "It is with a grieving heart that I let you know of the death of 19-year-old Matthew Mindler from Hellertown, Pennsylvania, a first-year student at Millersville University. A search had been underway for Matthew since Thursday, after he was reported missing. Matthew was found deceased this morning, Saturday, August 28, in Manor Township near campus."

The official did not disclose the cause of death or whether foul play is suspected.

Matthew starred opposite Paul Rudd in "Our Idiot Brother."

Matthew had not been seen since Tuesday night after failing to return to his dorm room. He was reported missing late Wednesday.

Police say Matthew was last seen walking away from his dorm at 8:11 PM Tuesday, wearing a white Millersville University hoodie with black stripes on the arm, a black backpack, jeans and white sneakers.

Cops say Matthew went to classes Monday and Tuesday but hadn't returned on Wednesday.

Matthew's credits include an episode of "As the World Turns" and "Frequency." He also appeared in the 2016 TV movie, "Chad: An American Boy."

Matthew was 19.

RIP

Jaxson Hayes Arrest Shoved Police Officer Into Wall ... Body Cam Footage Released

082721_jaxson_hayes_KAL3
CHAOTIC ARREST
Los Angeles Police Department

TMZ Sports has obtained LAPD body camera footage of Jaxson Hayes' arrest ... and the NBA hooper appears to shove a police officer, sending him careening into a wall.

The video starts with cops approaching 6'11, 220-pound Hayes outside his GF's L.A. house -- after a woman called 911, claiming she received "disturbing" texts from her cousin who claimed Hayes was "getting loud and violent," adding she was "scared and couldn't call the police herself."

0827-jaxson-hayes-01
911 AUDIO
Los Angeles Police Department

Once on the scene, cops told 21-year-old Hayes they had to enter the home to make sure everyone was safe ... but Hayes objected.

Hayes eventually attempted to retreat inside ... but officers blocked his path. Police attempted to cuff Hayes ... and that's when the situation turned violent.

Hayes appears to forcefully shove an officer ... sending him slamming into an exterior wall of the home. Police later said the officer was injured during the incident ... and required medical treatment.

Officers then wrestled Hayes -- who was struggling with the cops -- to the ground. He is heard on video saying "I can't breathe."

Moments later, after repeatedly ordering Hayes to comply, an officer tases him. Jaxson appears to have been tased twice.

Cops eventually were able to get Hayes in handcuffs.

Jaxson is later heard telling police to take it easy on his arm ... because he feared they were going to break it.

As we previously reported, Hayes was arrested following the July 28 incident with cops ... and was booked on a resisting arrest charge.

At the time, LAPD launched an internal use of force investigation to determine whether appropriate force was used after Hayes alleged he couldn't breathe during the arrest.

A large police union that represents LAPD officers has called on the NBA and New Orleans Pelicans to suspend Hayes for pushing the officer -- and repeatedly using the n-word during the arrest.

The criminal case against Hayes is still active -- as is the use of force investigation. Jaxson has not been punished by the NBA.

'Our Idiot Brother' Star Matthew Mindler Goes Missing At College

Matthew Mindler, the former child actor famous for starring opposite Paul Rudd in "Our Idiot Brother," has gone missing from his college in Pennsylvania ... according to police.

A freshman at Millersville University in Millersville, PA, Matthew has not been seen since Tuesday night and was reported missing late Wednesday after not returning to his dorm room and not returning calls from his family ... according to cops.

Police say Matthew was last seen walking away from his dorm at 8:11 PM Tuesday, wearing a white Millersville University hoodie with black stripes on the arm, a black backpack, jeans and white sneakers.

Cops say Matthew went to classes Monday and Tuesday but hasn't entered a classroom since.

We're told police are being flooded with tips and cops are following up on all leads.

Matthew's famous for his work as a child actor in 'Idiot Brother' and "Frequency" but he has not been acting for several years and just enrolled in college.

Story developing ...