PROSECUTORS COME OUT SWINGING IN PUFFY CASE

The shots allegedly heard ‘round a Times Square nightclub dominated opening arguments as the trial of Sean "Puffy" Combs began Monday (1/29) in Manhattan Supreme Court.

The hip-hop impresario is facing gun possession and bribery charges stemming from a December 1999 shooting inside Club New York.

"A witness saw Sean Combs pull out a gun; he fired it, by all accounts, straight up," Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos told the jury. "Witnesses will say they saw the muzzle flash."

According to prosecutors, the melee began when Combs bumped into a club patron, spilling his drink. The two exchanged words, then another patron tossed a wad of money at Combs. Combs and his protg, Jamal "Shyne" Barrow, reportedly pulled out 9mm handguns and began firing.

Co-defendant Barrow, who stands accused of injuring three people, faces attempted murder and assault charges.

A third defendant, bodyguard Anthony "Wolf" Jones, has also been charged with weapons possession. Combs, girlfriend Jennifer Lopez, Jones and driver Wardell Fenderson reportedly fled the club and were later stopped by police, who allegedly found another gun in their SUV.

Combs is accused of offering Fenderson $50,000 to take the rap.

If convicted, Combs could face up to 15 years in prison.

Calls to Bad Boy Entertainment, Puffy's label, were not returned.