Former NBA star Shawn Kemp was arrested after a drive-by shooting near Seattle, and authorities said Thursday that he’d be released with no immediate charges. Kemp was booked into a Pierce County jail on a felony drive-by shooting charge, county records showed. The Associated Press has the story:
Ex-NBA star Shawn Kemp fired in self-defense
Newslooks- TACOMA, Wash. (AP)
Former NBA star Shawn Kemp acted in self-defense when he exchanged gunfire in a Washington parking lot while trying to retrieve a stolen cell phone and other items, his attorneys said Thursday.
FILE – Shawn Kemp, center, a former NBA basketball player for the Seattle SuperSonics and several other teams, reacts after he cut the grand-opening ribbon for Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis, the marijuana dispensary he owns with several business partners, Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in downtown Seattle. Shawn Kemp was arrested and charged in connection with a drive-by shooting in Tacoma, Washington, and was set to be appear in court Thursday, March 9, 2023, a sheriff’s official said. Online jail records show Kemp was booked on a felony charge of drive-by shooting shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Kemp, 53, was arrested by Tacoma police Wednesday for investigation of a drive-by shooting but was released from jail Thursday afternoon without charges having been filed. The Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office said it would not file charges pending further investigation.
FILE – Shawn Kemp of the Seattle SuperSonics looks on in the final moments of their 96-89 win over the Sacramento Kings in the first round NBA playoffs, Tuesday April 30, 1996, at Arco Arena in Sacramento, Calif. Shawn Kemp was arrested and charged in connection with a drive-by shooting in Tacoma, Washington, and was set to be appear in court Thursday, March 9, 2023, a sheriff’s official said. Online jail records show Kemp was booked on a felony charge of drive-by shooting shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday. (AP Photo/Bob Galbraith, File)
“We’re grateful they didn’t rush to judgment,” said Seattle criminal defense lawyer Tim Leary, who is representing Kemp.
In a written statement, another Kemp attorney, W. Scott Boatman, said Kemp’s vehicle was broken into Tuesday night and several items were taken — including an iPhone. Kemp tracked the phone’s location to an occupied car at the Tacoma Mall, and when Kemp confronted the individuals inside, they shot at him, and he returned fire, Boatright said.
FILE – Seattle SuperSonics’ Shawn Kemp (40) goes in for a dunk as Houston Rockets’ Hakeem Olajuwon (34) defends during the second quarter of their NBA playoff game Monday, May 5, 1997, in Houston. Shawn Kemp was arrested and charged in connection with a drive-by shooting in Tacoma, Washington, and was set to be appear in court Thursday, March 9, 2023, a sheriff’s official said. Online jail records show Kemp was booked on a felony charge of drive-by shooting shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday.(AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, File)
“There was not a drive by shooting as previously reported and Mr. Kemp’s actions were reasonable and legally justified,” Boatman said. “Mr. Kemp met with law enforcement at the scene in an attempt to assist in the matter.”
Tacoma police said they recovered a gun at the scene.
FILE – Former Seattle SuperSonics forward Shawn Kemp, center, attends a WNBA basketball game between the Seattle Storm and the Chicago Sky, Wednesday, May 18, 2022 in Seattle. Shawn Kemp was arrested and charged in connection with a drive-by shooting in Tacoma, Washington, and was set to be appear in court Thursday, March 9, 2023, a sheriff’s official said. Online jail records show Kemp was booked on a felony charge of drive-by shooting shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Kemp debuted in the NBA during the 1989-90 season as a 20-year-old who had never played college basketball. He became known for his high-flying, athletic dunks.
