Rod Wave arrested and released after assault and firearm charges that resulted in shooting in Atlanta

Rod Wave Arrested on 14 Charges After Gun Incident

Rod Wave, known for his emotionally raw lyrics and chart-topping hits like “Street Runner” and “Heart on Ice,” is facing serious legal trouble. The Florida-born rapper was arrested in Fulton County, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 21, on 14 separate charges, including aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, and criminal damage to property, per TMZ.

The charges stem from a recent incident at his Atlanta-area home, which law enforcement alleges involved the firing of 14 bullets from a semiautomatic handgun during a heated dispute. The event not only shocked neighbors but also led to a major legal setback: violation of an existing bond order tied to an older criminal case.

Let’s break down what happened, what Rod Wave is accused of, and what this could mean for his career and legal future.

What Happened at Rod Wave’s Atlanta Home?

According to the police report, the incident took place on April 21, when Rod Wave (real name Rodarius Marcell Green) returned to his Atlanta residence. He was joined by real estate agents and associates following a recent burglary at the property.

What began as a routine visit escalated into a confrontation.

Law enforcement claims the following:

• Rod and one of his associates got into a verbal argument.
• During the altercation, a Glock 20 10mm semiautomatic pistol was pulled.
• Rod allegedly fired 14 rounds:
  • 11 bullets struck a 2025 Mercedes G-Wagon.
  • 1 bullet hit his own 2022 Rolls-Royce.
  • 1 bullet lodged into the home’s wall.
  • 1 bullet’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Reports state that neighbors alerted police upon hearing the gunfire. When officers arrived, they found Rod attempting to clean up shell casings and allegedly trying to flee the scene—a detail that raised red flags and led to his arrest.

What Are the Charges Rod Wave Is Facing?

Rod Wave is now facing 14 criminal charges, including several felony offenses. Many of the charges stem from his alleged use of a firearm during the April 21 incident, while others relate to his actions afterward.

The charges include:

1. Aggravated assault
2. Possession of a firearm during commission of a felony (two counts)
3. Reckless conduct (two counts)
4. Criminal damage to property in the second degree (two counts)
5. Tampering with evidence (two felony counts)
6. Simple assault
7. Willful obstruction of law enforcement officers (two counts)
8. Conspiracy to commit a felony
9. Pointing or aiming a gun at another person

To complicate matters further, Rod was already out on bond for a 2020 battery charge, meaning this new event could not only result in fresh convictions but also reopen his previous case.

Rod Wave’s Legal Team Responds

Attorneys Drew Findling and Marissa Goldberg, who represent Rod Wave, strongly denied the charges in a statement provided to TMZ:

“There is no truth to these charges. Rod Green was a victim of a burglary and committed no crimes. How he was even charged as a result of this situation is incomprehensible. This will absolutely be resolved favorably to Mr. Green.”

Their defense strategy seems to center around the claim that Rod was protecting himself and his property in the aftermath of a burglary, and that he was unfairly targeted by law enforcement.

Bond and Release: What Happens Next?

Rod Wave was booked on Tuesday, May 21, and released the same day after posting a $50,000 bond. While that may seem like a small sum for a chart-topping artist, it doesn’t indicate leniency. In fact, the situation remains legally serious.

Violating the terms of a previous bond can lead to revocation and remand into custody. If convicted on any of the felony charges—especially aggravated assault or firearm possession during a felony—Rod could face significant prison time.

A Pattern of Legal Trouble

Unfortunately, this isn’t Rod Wave’s first brush with the law.

• The 2020 battery case, which led to his initial bond, remains unresolved and could resurface depending on how the current charges unfold.
• In 2024, he was arrested in Florida on two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• In 2022, he faced allegations of choking his then-girlfriend. Though that case ultimately was not prosecuted, it still added to his legal history.

What This Means for Rod Wave’s Career

Rod Wave is one of the most emotionally compelling voices in modern hip-hop. With a signature style blending melancholy piano melodies and soulful singing, he connects with fans through vulnerability, often detailing pain, struggle, and redemption.

His influence includes:

• Over 7 billion global streams
• Multiple Billboard 200 Top 10 albums
• Platinum certifications for hits like:
  • “Tombstone”
  • “Heart on Ice”
  • “Street Runner”

The charges come just as Rod was gearing up for what fans expected to be a breakout year in touring and album releases.

With legal uncertainty hanging over him, future projects, appearances, and endorsements are all now at risk.

Can Rod Wave Recover From This?

The music industry has a long history of artists who navigated legal trouble and returned stronger. From Meek Mill’s parole battle to Kodak Black’s federal gun charges, fans have repeatedly shown loyalty to artists they believe in.

Rod Wave may find himself at a crossroads:

• If his legal team can prove self-defense or procedural misconduct, he could walk away with minor consequences.
• But if the charges stick, the consequences could derail a promising career—and possibly his freedom.

Either way, this latest arrest forces fans and industry insiders alike to reconsider the path forward for one of hip-hop’s most introspective stars.

A Broader Issue: Firearms and Fame

This situation also reignites ongoing discussions around gun culture in hip-hop, self-defense laws, and mental health in fame. Many artists grow up in environments where firearm possession is both normalized and considered essential for survival.

But as fame grows, so does the microscope.

Rod Wave has previously opened up about depression, suicidal thoughts, and the pressures of fame—making the incident all the more tragic if it stemmed from paranoia or heightened stress.

Fans often forget that behind every hit single is a human being struggling with immense pressure.

More Than Just Music

Rod Wave’s arrest is more than another celebrity headline. It’s a sobering reminder that success doesn’t erase history, nor does it exempt artists from real-world consequences.

As the legal process unfolds, one thing is clear: fans, critics, and the industry will be watching closely—not just for updates on his case, but to see whether the man behind the music can rise once again.