Cops caught A$AP Rocky completely off guard when they arrived at a private LAX terminal and held him in handcuffs… all as a pregnant as well as extremely surprised Rihanna stood by.

According to law enforcement officials, cops decided not to inform Rocky and his squad. According to reports, the arrest had been planned for more than a week.

When the LAPD or other law enforcement agencies arrest a suspect, they commonly use a voluntary surrender technique. Typically, the cops would contact the accused’s lawyer or other representative and arrange for the defendant to surrender quietly. That didn’t happen here, and reporters have been informed Rocky and his staff is baffled as to why… it’s not like he’d flee — and, by the way, his girlfriend is in the third trimester of pregnancy.

According to law enforcement officials, the motive they blindsided Rocky was to see if they could locate the firearm used for the shooting. Police believe A$AP shot an unarmed man in Hollywood after an argument in November. The victim’s hand was grazed by the bullet. The cops were scared that if they told Rocky about the gun, he would 86 it. That’s why they organized his arrest and his residence inspection so they could both happen at the same time.

According to many sources, at least ten cops were standing for Rocky when his private plane arrived at the gate… and then they cuffed him and carried him away. Rihanna and Rocky were returning from Barbados. It is also known that Rihanna intended to visit his home on Wednesday morning to grab a few of her belongings, but cops refused to let her in.

Rocky was released after posting a $550,000 bond on Wednesday. The D.A. has the case and will make a judgment on whether or not to press charges soon.