Friend of Puerto Rico reggaeton artist bites autograph-seeker, police say

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico: A woman seeking an autograph from a popular reggaeton performer was grabbed and apparently bitten by someone in his entourage Saturday, and several gunshots were fired, police said.

Police said prosecutors would decide early next week whether to press charges against Hector "El Father" Delgado and his entourage, who were questioned Saturday.

The incident occurred before dawn when Delgado stopped at a gas station to buy food after playing at a private party.

When a 26-year-old woman insisted on having his autograph, someone in Delgado's group grabbed her. An argument broke out when her husband approached and someone fired a gun several times in the air, said police spokeswoman Maria del Pilar Bon.

Police originally said a bodyguard fired the shots, but later said they were still investigating who used the weapon, though they believe it was someone in Delgado's group, which included his brother, said police officer Yolanda Hernandez.

At one point, someone bit the woman's right arm, Bon said, adding that she did not know how serious the bite was.

The woman and her 23-year-old husband left shortly afterward and Delgado's group fled without paying for their gas. They were later detained at another gas station in western Puerto Rico, Bon said.

Delgado, who has promoted other prominent artists as well as performing, apologized for being linked to the incident but declined to comment or provide details.

"I would never deny a fan my autograph," he said. "I have always been known for being a humble person who gives his all to the public, since the public helps bring a plate of food to my house."

Delgado won a 2003 Billboard Latin Music Award for rap album of the year as part of the "Los Bambinos" duo and he has collaborated with hip-hop artist Jay-Z.