Country Singer Downplays Arrest

Tue., June 6, 2000

Country star Kenny Chesney said Monday an incident in New York state that led to his arrest along with singer Tim McGraw has been “blown way out of proportion.”

Authorities say Chesney rode away with a deputy’s horse and McGraw attacked deputies who tried to corral Chesney.

The singers were arrested Saturday night in Orchard Park, N.Y., near Buffalo, following their performances on the George Strait Country Music Festival.

Chesney was charged with disorderly conduct and freed on $100 bail. McGraw faces charges of second-degree assault, obstructing governmental administration, menacing and resisting arrest. He was released on $2,500 bail.

Chesney said: “Unfortunately, what was meant to be a totally innocent and fun gesture, was blown way out of proportion. Tim McGraw and I have been friends for a very long time. When he saw me in danger of being harmed, he simply came over to help out his friend.”

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Country Singer Downplays Arrest

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson invites Pope Leo XIV to officiate mass in Grant Park

Updated: Judge declines to block parts of Trump mail voting order, for now

Global warming likely to exceed 1.5C through 2030, WMO says