L.A. based experimental metalcore act CRISIS have issued a statement in regards to the arrest of former drummer Ryan Ball in connection with armed robbery in Pennsylvania on February 28th, 2005.

Says the band, “Crisis would like to clarify published news reports about Ryan Bell being the Crisis drummer and being arrested for an armed robbery in Pennsylvania yesterday, February 28, 2005.

Contrary to published news reports, Ryan Ball was let go from his duties as the Crisis drummer over 2 weeks ago. We are currently working with another drummer, Justin Arman (ex-SOCIETY 1) while still looking for a permanent replacement. We want it to be clearly known that 2 weeks ago we asked Ryan Ball to return to Pennsylvania. Preparations for Justin Arman to participate with us at Independence-D Fest in Japan and at SXSW were made over a month ago.

Although we announced Ryan’s joining Crisis, Ryan never became a permanent member of the band. He had rehearsed with us 3 times when we realized this was not working out. As soon as Ryan arrived in California we were alarmed by the fact that his immigration was not in status, as he’d previously told us, and experienced the chaos of his personality that we envisioned could cause problems similar to the ones he is facing now. We take our music seriously and want to work with professional and dedicated musicians and this had to let Ryan go. It is unfortunate that within two weeks our concerns and hesitations for him have been proven right.”

For those not aware with the story it can be viewed at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7048723/