Rick Allen, the one-armed drummer for Def Leppard, was viciously beaten by a teenager in what appeared to be a sneak attack at a South Florida hotel, according to police. Allen had a head injury as a result.
Allen was smoking a cigarette outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Fort Lauderdale Beach as the suspect waited behind a pole, according to an arrest report.
The teenage suspect, Max Hartley, allegedly raced at full speed toward Allen, striking him, throwing him backwards, and hitting the ground with his head.
According to the allegation, a woman exited the hotel to assist Allen, but Hartley also reportedly knocked her to the ground.
Police say Hartley grabbed the woman by the hair and hauled her back outside as she stood up and attempted to flee back into the hotel.
Hartley allegedly destroyed multiple automobiles in a parking garage before escaping to another neighbouring hotel. He was eventually apprehended. The 19-year-old was arrested for violence, criminal mischief, and elder abuse. Later, after posting a bond, he was freed.
Def Leppard and their 59-year-old drummer were in South Florida for a Sunday performance at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino co-headlining with Mötley Crüe.
You probably remember that in a 1984 vehicle accident, Allen’s left arm was amputated. After originally reattaching his limb, medical professionals had to amputate it due to an infection. Allen has carried on as the group’s drummer, using his right arm and both feet.
