The Reacher star Alan Ritchson will not face criminal charges in relation to a widely publicised violent confrontation with a neighbor, after Tennessee police found he was acting in self-defense.
In a video obtained by TMZ on Sunday, the 43-year-old actor appeared to strike Ronnie Taylor several times as Taylor kneeled on the ground in a suburban neighborhood in Tennessee. Ritchson’s two children could be seen nearby sitting on motorbikes and watching the incident unfold.
The Brentwood police department issued a statement on Tuesday night, confirming their investigation had concluded.
Ritchson had acted in self-defense, police said, and had also declined to pursue a potential charge against Taylor.
“After reviewing available evidence, including video footage and witness statements, authorities determined that no criminal charges will be pursued,” the police said.
“Mr Ritchson’s actions were found to be in self-defense. Although a potential reckless endangerment charge was considered, Mr Ritchson declined to pursue charges. With the agreement of the District Attorney’s Office, the case is now closed, and no further action will be taken.”
Taylor told TMZ that he had asked Ritchson multiple times to stop making noise on his motorbike in the street. Taylor himself admitted that he had instigated the physical contact with Ritchson, telling TMZ: “I did push him because he was coming towards me on his, on his bike. He did it again for a second time. I pushed him a second time, and I think the second time he got off his bike and kicked the crap outta me.”
The footage published by TMZ had been edited, removing how the altercation began. Ritchson’s body cam footage was later released, showing Taylor rushing into the street in the way of Ritchson’s bike, which resulted in Ritchson going over the handlebars to avoid him. After a verbal exchange, Ritchson can be seen returning to his bike to leave, but Taylor follows and shoves him, leading to the physical altercation.
Ritchson or his representatives are yet to comment on the incident.
Ritchson is widely recognised for portraying the fictional former US army military police officer Jack Reacher in the Amazon Prime Video series Reacher. The character has extensive combat experience and is frequently shown taking down opponents in intense fights.
The show, based on author Lee Child’s bestselling crime novels, has been praised for Ritchson’s physical performance and closer resemblance to the protagonist’s original depiction of a muscular man who is 6ft 5in and weighs 250lb compared with what Tom Cruise offered in the 2012 film Jack Reacher.
