Chicago Rapper Twista Faces Misdemeanor Marijuana Charge

A performance by Chicago rapper Twista at a concert venue in northwest Indiana was canceled after he was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession.

Porter County Police Chief Deputy Jeff Biggs says Twista, whose real name is Carl Mitchell, was arrested about 10:40 p.m. Thursday night in South Haven after the Rolls Royce he was riding in was stopped for following an SUV too closely.

Biggs said officers smelled marijuana and the driver admitted the group had smoked the drug. Biggs says the officers found a half-ounce of marijuana concealed in a fake can.

Biggs says Mitchell, 42, was released on $500 cash bond.

Photo: Adam Bielawski

107.5FM WGCI Big Jam 2010, Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Ill.

Twista issued a statement saying police should focus on more serious crimes, comparing being arrested for marijuana to being arrested for jaywalking.