Rapper Lil Reese Heading Downstate After Chicago Arrest

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 29, 2013 10:25PM

Lil Reese (real name Tavares Taylor) was identified by Champaign Police as the assailant in the beating of a woman caught on video last February. (Photo via Cook County Sheriff's Department.)

Local rapper and member of Chief Keef's 300 crew Lil Reese is heading downstate to face criminal charges related to the beating of a woman last year that was caught on video. Champaign police identified Reese (real name: Tavares Taylor) as the assailant in the Feb. 2012 beating. The video surfaced online last October and quickly went viral before being pulled from YouTube and other outlets. Taylor initially responded to the video's appearance by saying "haters gonna hate" before apologizing.

An arrest warrant was issued last week, charging Taylor with criminal trespass, mob action and battery. He was arrested by Chicago Police Sunday morning after they found him sleeping in his car at 44th and Wells Streets.

Taylor was also cited April 13 for driving without a license or insurance.