Rapper DMX ran into trouble early Tuesday morning after leaving the re-launch party for Missy Elliott's Gold Mind label. According to the NYPD, an accident report was filed shortly after midnight involving a vehicle registered to the rapper (born Earl Simmons). The report states that Simmons' car slammed into an oncoming car full of women on Manhattan's West Side. Although no warrant for Simmons' arrest has been issued and no injuries were reported, police are investigating his involvement in the incident because of extensive damage done to the other car involved.

According to the New York Post, Simmons fled the scene of the accident after refusing to pay for damages. "He was screaming, 'Why don't you look where you're going? What were you doing?' when he was the one who hit us!" said Shana Webb, a passenger from the other vehicle.

This is DMX's second driving mishap of the year. Back in March, he was busted for reckless driving, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and marijuana possession -- among other offenses -- after a concert in Buffalo, N.Y.

At press time, there was no word back from Simmons' camp on his involvement in Tuesday's incident.

GABRIELLE SCHAFER
(June 8, 2000)