Charges Dropped Against Man Who Punched Andy Dick in French Quarter Last Year
Orleans Parish prosecutors are no longer pursuing a case against the man who punched comedian Andy Dick outside a French Quarter nightclub last summer.
A statement from District Attorney spokesman Ken Daley said the performer "has not been cooperative" and has not kept in touch with prosecutors handling the case against 47-year-old David "Tyger" Hale.
Daley's statement doesn't go into why exactly the office isn't further pursuing the charges. However, Hale previously told authorities that he only hit Dick last August after the actor fondled his genitals.
The statement did say the case could be revived should Dick re-establish communication with the DA's office. They have until 2023 before the statute of limitations runs out.
Hale's attorneys, Michael Kennedy and Miles Swanson, issued a statement praising District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro's office "for making the right call."
“We have long believed that this matter was only a case due to the infamy of the alleged victim,” Kennedy and Swanson’s statement said. “For the first time in almost 12 months, Mr. Hale will be able to rest easy tonight.”
Andy Dick could not be reached for comment.
According to court documents, Dick, 54, had just performed at One Eyed Jacks on Toulouse Street, and at about 2:20 am on August 10 was standing outside when Hale walked up to him. Video from a nearby surveillance camera showed Hale then land a punch on the right side of Dick's face, knocking the comedian over a parked motorcycle and leaving him unconscious.
Hale tried walking away but a bystander chased after him and grabbed him by the shoulder. Hale was accused of punching that man in the left eye, according to a sworn statement filed in court by police.
Investigators tracked Hale down via a Crimestoppers tip. After police confronted him at his home, Hale claimed that he had gone up to Dick right after his set inside One Eyed Jacks to tell him he had enjoyed the show.
He alleged that Dick grabbed his genitals and winked when he realized Hale was upset. Hale said he punched Dick outside the club.
Dick, who was hospitalized for a day and treated for brain bleeding, denied that did anything wrong to provoke Hale.
Police booked Hale with second-degree battery and simple battery. He posted a $15,000 bond and was released from jail.