Chris Brown Might Do Major Time

Chris Brown has been arrested after allegedly attacking a man in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

The alleged incident took place in Washington, D.C. and resulted in the 24-year-old singer being arrested for felony assault.

The charge could carry a four-year prison sentence for the R'n'B star as he's still on parole for assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009. 

Brown and his bodyguard were both arrested after the former allegedly 'punched a man in the face' outside a D.C. hotel.

According to TMZ's law enforcement sources, the singer got into a row with a man outside the W Hotel before throwing the alleged punches. 

Rihanna's ex-boyfriend did not appear to be under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, the website maintains. 

The altercation took place at around 4:30 in the morning.

Brown, who hosted a party at the city's Park and 14th club earlier in the evening, was taken into police custody. 

The alleged victim was reportedly taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation, and his nose is said to be broken.

Gossip website TMZ.com spoke with the alleged victim, who told them that he may need surgery on his nose.

The unidentified man claimed that Chris went 'nuts' when he and a male friend rushed over to get in a photo that the R'n'B star was taking with two women.

The man, who later said he didn't understand why Brown would be 'so homophobic', is planning to press charges but said he would have accepted an apology from the singer at the scene.

Sources close to that star tells TMZ that the alleged victim's story of events is completely fabricated and Chris was, in fact, attempting to stop the pair for trespassing onboard his tour bus.

After the two girls tried in vain to do the same thing, the men apparently decided to make their move, which is when Brown stopped them.

Chris and his bodyguard, Christopher Hollosy, are still in custody at a local police station as of Sunday afternoon, and they are expected to remain there until Monday morning.

Under D.C. law, Chris is unable to get bail, so he will have to appear before a magistrate tomorrow.

Hotel Washington where the assault allegedly took place

The serious nature of the allegations could spell trouble for the artist, given his probation status. 

According to TMZ, a felony assault charge could be grounds for probation violation. The star was charged on May 21 with a misdemeanour hit-and-run and driving without a valid licence following the accident in the San Fernando Valley.

Though he refuted claims by the other driver involved, insisting he 'followed the proper procedures' and exchanged information with the owner despite there being no damage to his car.

The singer has also been involved in fracas with fellow musicians Drake and Frank Ocean, though neither of those resulted in criminal charges.

On June 13, 2012, punches and bottles were thrown when Chris clashed with rival rapper Drake at New York nightclub W.I.P.

Police surround Chris Brown's tour bus