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Waka Flocka Flame questioned after NC shooting

[February 17, 2011] CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Rapper Waka Flocka Flame and three other men were questioned Wednesday after a shootout at a car stereo store in which one person was wounded, police said.

The 24-year-old rapper, whose real name is Juaquin James Malphurs, was at Car Stereo Warehouse on Charlotte's east side to have the sound system on his tour bus upgraded, The Charlotte Observer reported.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police spokesman Rob Tufano said two vehicles drove into the store's parking lot around 4 p.m. as the rapper spoke with fans and had his picture taken. Men in at least one car and people in the rapper's party exchanged gunfire, Tufano said.

One person was shot in the shoulder and was taken to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Tufano didn't immediately return a phone call seeking further comment Wednesday night.

No charges have been filed, and police said they have no motive.

The website hiphopdx.com said the rapper assured his fans through his Twitter account that he was not hurt, though a check of what appeared to be his account didn't have any comments on the shooting.

His hit, "No Hands," is currently fourth on Billboard's latest Hot Rap Songs list.

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Last month, the rapper was jailed on gun and drug charges. He is charged with possessing marijuana and a controlled substance and two with offenses stemming from firearms possession. He also is charged with breaking anti-gang laws and violating probation for driving on a suspended license. Waka Flocka Flame was on probation for a charge of possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the rapper was shot in the arm after a scuffle and an apparent robbery as he was washed his car at a car wash in January 2010.

Calls to his publicist for comment were not immediately returned.

[Associated Press]

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