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Gucci Mane kidnapped in Dallas by fellow rapper Pooh Shiesty during ambush at recording studio. On January 10, nine suspects orchestrated coordinated armed takeover. Eight arrested Wednesday across Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Incident date: January 10, 2026 at Dallas recording studio
- Lead suspect: Rapper Pooh Shiesty (Lontrell Williams Jr.), real name Lontrell Williams Jr.
- Arrest count: Eight of nine defendants arrested Wednesday, one still fugitive
- Charges: Federal kidnapping and conspiracy, facing up to life in prison
How the Studio Ambush Unfolded
The Grammy-nominated rapper Gucci Mane, whose real name is Radric Davis, flew to Dallas that afternoon. He believed he was meeting to discuss a recording contract dispute involving Pooh Shiesty. Instead, prosecutors say nine suspects executed a violent ambush.
Around 3:43 p.m., the suspects entered the studio on Dallas Parkway. Pooh Shiesty allegedly pulled an AK-style pistol and forced Gucci Mane to sign paperwork releasing him from 1017 Records at gunpoint. This record label is owned and operated by the Atlanta hip-hop mogul.
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Violence and Robbery During the Incident
While Pooh Shiesty held Gucci Mane in the recording room, other suspects ravaged the control room. According to the federal criminal complaint, victims were forced onto couches and had wallets stolen.
One victim was choked from behind to near unconsciousness. Suspects stole multiple Rolex watches, Louis Vuitton bags, cash, jewelry, and other high-value items. Victims feared they would be executed before suspects ordered them out. Big30, whose legal name is Rodney Wright Jr., allegedly barricaded the door to prevent escape.
The Nine Suspects and Arrests
| Name | Status | Role |
| Pooh Shiesty (Lontrell Williams Jr.) | Arrested April 1 | Lead organizer, brandished weapon |
| Big30 (Rodney Wright Jr.) | Arrested April 1 | Barricaded door, prevented escape |
| Lontrell Williams Sr. | Arrested April 1 | Pooh Shiesty father, arranged meeting |
| Terrance Rodgers | Still fugitive | Co-conspirator in robbery plot |
| Other suspects (5 additional) | Arrested April 1 | Armed robbery and kidnapping |
Eight of nine defendants were arrested Wednesday, April 1, across Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville. Terrance Rodgers remains the only fugitive. All face federal kidnapping and conspiracy charges with sentences up to life in prison.
“Nine defendants travelled to Dallas, Texas, to kidnap and rob victims who thought they were coming into town for a business meeting. Instead of discussing business in a civil matter, the defendants resorted to violence and intimidation to achieve their purported business objectives.”
— Ryan Raybould, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
Evidence Points to Premeditated Crime
Federal agents uncovered extensive evidence proving this was a planned operation. Cell phone records showed suspects traveled together from Memphis to Dallas days before the incident. License plate reader data tracked their movements between states.
Surveillance footage captured the attack. Electronic monitoring data placed Pooh Shiesty at the studio despite being on home confinement for a prior federal firearm conviction. Fingerprint evidence recovered from red plastic cups tied multiple suspects to the crime scene. Hours after robbing victims, several defendants posted photos and videos on social media displaying stolen jewelry and cash.
What Does This Scandal Reveal About Record Label Disputes?
This shocking incident exposes the dark side of hip-hop business conflicts. Pooh Shiesty allegedly arranged the meeting under false pretenses to escape his 1017 Records contract. His father, Lontrell Williams Sr., visited a Staples store hours before the incident, where investigators believe contract release documents were printed.
The FBI Dallas Violent Crimes Task Force led the investigation with help from federal, state, and local agencies across Texas and Tennessee. This case raises critical questions about contract disputes in the music industry and whether violence has become an unacceptable solution to business disagreements.
