Suspect created rap video before bust

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Neighbors at Valley Tower Condos in Lafayette said they were shocked to learn about a five-figure drug bust in their building this week. They said the alleged drug dealer, Richard Hawkins had been in trouble with police at the Lafayette condominium before, but they were still surprised to see the violence and profanity displayed in a music video Hawkins posted on YouTube just two months ago.

In the five months since she's lived at 300 Valley Street in Lafayette, Jill Molter said she's seen Richard Hawkins have a number of run-ins with police.

"He's been arrested, taken out of here. He keeps coming back," Molter said. "He's not even on a lease here, from what I've been told. He's not supposed to be in the building."

It wasn't until Friday Molter learned from NewsChannel 18 Hawkins had been arrested in connection with a 32-gram crack cocaine bust in her condo building. But despite knowledge of Hawkins' criminal history, Molter still had few words to describe her reaction to the music video he created in the building where she lives.

"I don't even know what to say," she said. "This is such a safe building. It's on lock down; you have to buzz to get in the building, so I can't believe that someone like that could possibly be here. I'm in shock."

The video is titled "War on Lafayette." It shows Hawkins, who goes by the name P. Smurf in his rap career, cocking guns, fanning out a wad of cash, and smoking what may be marijuana. He raps about his long-time connection to the city of Lafayette.

Other neighbors NewsChannel 18 spoke with didn't want to go on camera, but they did express some concern about the direction the building is headed, and the people who are allowed to hang around here.

"The people who have lived here have told me how things used to be, compared to what they are now," Molter said.

Police said the video didn't lead them to Hawkins in this week's arrest, but they do believe Richard Hawkins and "P. Smurf" are one and the same. Molter said she's confident the man in this video is the same person who stayed at 300 Valley Street.

Another possible insight into Hawkins' alleged drug ties: The end of his music video says "R.I.P. Bay-Bay Smith." Smith was murdered earlier this year, in what police say was a drug deal turned violent.

You can view the entire video here (Warning: Contains mature content and adult language) :