A Tennessee-based rapper IHeartMemphis, known for the 2015 viral hit “Hit the Quan,” was arrested early Tuesday following an overnight SWAT standoff at a residence in Plantation, Florida, after authorities responded to what police described as a welfare-related call that escalated into a barricade situation.
Plantation police said the incident unfolded late Monday near the 8600 block of Gatehouse Road. Officers initially arrived to conduct a welfare check, but the encounter intensified and required a tactical response. The standoff lasted several hours and ended without reported injuries.
The individual taken into custody was identified as Richard Maurice Colbert, who records under the names iHeartMemphis and iLoveMemphis. Colbert has more than 700,000 followers on Instagram and rose to national prominence nearly a decade ago with “Hit the Quan,” a single that became a cultural staple through social media and sports celebrations.
Family members told CBS News Miami that they had attempted to secure help for Colbert in the days preceding the incident. According to those accounts, concerns about his mental state prompted requests for a welfare check.
“Hit The Quan” Rapper IHeartMemphis Arrested During SWAT Standoff On Livestream In Florida
In the hours before his arrest, Colbert posted a series of videos on social media. Some clips showed officers arriving at the residence. Others captured statements police later cited as alarming. Authorities said Colbert told officers he believed he was God. In a separate recording, he filmed the sky and claimed clouds were watching him.
During the standoff, Colbert livestreamed from inside the home, drawing nearly 20,000 viewers at its peak. In the broadcast, he appeared visibly distressed and pleaded for help. “Please, please save me y’all,” he said. “I’m begging you. I don’t got nothing. I don’t want to hurt nobody, y’all.” He also stated he did not want to die.
Video from the scene showed property damage, including a bent garage door, shattered glass, and a vehicle turned on its side. Near the end of the livestream, Colbert was seen crouching in the garage as SWAT officers moved in. Police arrested him shortly after 3 a.m.
Authorities said Colbert was transported to a hospital for evaluation following his arrest. Police confirmed he was taken into custody on an active warrant for written or electronic threats to kill. No further details regarding the warrant were released.
Officials also confirmed that a dog inside the home was removed safely and released to a family member. The investigation remains ongoing.