Rick Allen, the drummer of legendary rock group Def Leppard, was assaulted outside the hotel where he stayed after a show in South Florida. The 59-year-old was in South Florida to perform a show at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino over the past weekend, where Def Leppard was co-headlining with Mötley Crüe.
Allen, who lost his arm in a car accident in 1984, was standing outside the Four Seasons in the valet area, having a smoke. According to a Fort Lauderdale police report, he was then violently attacked by 19-year-old Max Edward Hartley, who was visiting from Ohio.
Authorities said Hartley hid behind a pillar outside the hotel while Allen smoked his cigarette. He ran full speed at the drummer, knocking him to the ground. The report says that Allen “hit his head on the ground, causing injury.” A woman who witnessed the attack ran out of the hotel to help Allen, where Hartley attacked her too.
Hartley was arrested a short time later at another hotel, allegedly breaking car windows. He was charged with two counts of battery, four counts of criminal mischief, and abusing an elderly or disabled adult.
On Tuesday, Hartley reportedly posted bail and was released from Broward Country Jail. A news photographer is said to have asked him why he attacked a man with one arm or if he knew that the man was Def Leppard’s drummer, to which Hartley did not reply.
Allen, who suffered a head injury in the attack, has reportedly provided a sworn statement and told police that he intends to press charges. Def Leppard has yet to comment on Allen’s condition or the incident.
The Florida show was the last before a break in the band’s touring schedule. Their next appearance is set for May 22 in Sheffield, England.
