DeBarge frontman Eldra Patrick “El” DeBarge is now facing drug and weapon charges after a run-in with Burbank police on Sunday around 3:40 a.m.
TMZ announced that the “Rhythm of the Night” singer wasn’t pulled over but situated at a gas station when police discovered his expired tags. Upon approaching him to inform him of the expired tags, they saw a metal baton in his vehicle, prompting them to search his car.
Metal batons are illegal because they can cause severe damage to someone.
During the search, police found illegal narcotics and pepper spray. Additionally, El didn’t have a valid driver’s license.
Police arrested and booked El, and he was charged with possession of a leaded cane or baton, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
El was released after bail was posted for $25,000 and is scheduled to appear in court in March.
The “I Like It” crooner is no stranger to legal trouble. In 2018, El was arrested for felony vandalism after he smashed a wrench into an RV’s windshield during an altercation with another man. He was released from jail the day after the incident on bail.
‘Rhythm of the Night’ singer, El DeBarge got busted in the middle of the night … after cops say they found a weapon and drugs in his truck. https://t.co/isUMlShOrl
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 10, 2023
El’s brother, Chico DeBarge, is also one to get in trouble with law enforcement. Last year, the former DeBarge member got arrested on drug charges after police received a call about a “disturbance” occurring in an RV. The police saw that his motorhome registration had expired, leading them to discover drug paraphernalia and meth inside.
Drug use has been documented throughout the DeBarge family. Bobby Debarge, the lead singer of the R&B band Switch, served time behind bars for drug trafficking charges.
