MACKG
a.k.a. NASTYNUPE
MOBILE, Ala.) January 26 -- An American Idol hopeful, gaining notoriety, but not just for his shot at stardom. T-V viewers found Grand Bay's Leroy Wells on national T-V Tuesday night. However, on Wednesday, the would-be "idol" could be found in Mobile Metro Jail.
While millions of American Idol fans kept it locked into Leroy, Leroy was locked up behind bars for failing to appear in court.
The 22-year-old Grand Bay, Alabama native wowed fans with his rendition of "Got Your Money" by O-D-B. Even though he wasn't able to watch his performance from home, sheriff's deputies tell NBC 15 they did allow Leroy and other inmates to watch American Idol from jail.
Mobile Police spokesman Marcus Young says Leroy Wells was arrested earlier this month for reportedly shooting a hand gun into an occupied vehicle. "Apparently they were arguing over how the cars were in the roadway at which time Mr. Wells allegedly shot the victim in his hip," Young says.
"Family members say because Leroy is a "pretty boy," he gets picked on a lot, which explains why he may have been carrying a pistol to protect himself. His brother, Ryan Peyton tells NBC 15 News: "A lot of people picks on him and he's had that problem since he's been a kid. As he got older he just got tired of it and so he took measures into his own hands."
According to Mobile County Sheriff's department records, Wells has a prior criminal record including seven other arrests. The charges range from disorderly conduct and possession of marijuana, to carrying a pistol without a permit.
His brother says despite those incidents, Leroy is destined for stardom and would not go as far as shooting another human being. "I'm saying he didn't do it. It's all hear-say from what I know."
Wednesday, Leroy's family had trouble coming up with bond money, some $11,000, but later were able to come up with the money. Leroy was released from custody early Wednesday evening.
While millions of American Idol fans kept it locked into Leroy, Leroy was locked up behind bars for failing to appear in court.
The 22-year-old Grand Bay, Alabama native wowed fans with his rendition of "Got Your Money" by O-D-B. Even though he wasn't able to watch his performance from home, sheriff's deputies tell NBC 15 they did allow Leroy and other inmates to watch American Idol from jail.
Mobile Police spokesman Marcus Young says Leroy Wells was arrested earlier this month for reportedly shooting a hand gun into an occupied vehicle. "Apparently they were arguing over how the cars were in the roadway at which time Mr. Wells allegedly shot the victim in his hip," Young says.
"Family members say because Leroy is a "pretty boy," he gets picked on a lot, which explains why he may have been carrying a pistol to protect himself. His brother, Ryan Peyton tells NBC 15 News: "A lot of people picks on him and he's had that problem since he's been a kid. As he got older he just got tired of it and so he took measures into his own hands."
According to Mobile County Sheriff's department records, Wells has a prior criminal record including seven other arrests. The charges range from disorderly conduct and possession of marijuana, to carrying a pistol without a permit.
His brother says despite those incidents, Leroy is destined for stardom and would not go as far as shooting another human being. "I'm saying he didn't do it. It's all hear-say from what I know."
Wednesday, Leroy's family had trouble coming up with bond money, some $11,000, but later were able to come up with the money. Leroy was released from custody early Wednesday evening.
