By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-30 03:11:36 | Updated at 2024-10-30 05:32:44
2 hours ago
Detroit Police have reportedly launched an investigation into why Lions star Jameson Williams avoided arrest after he was found with two guns.
It's claimed the receiver was a passenger in a car alongside his brother when it was pulled over by cops for speeding on October 8.
Williams' brother revealed there were two guns inside but the NFL star - who is currently serving a two-game suspension over performance-enhancing drugs - was soon released.
The decision not to detain the Detroit star is now being probed by police chiefs who are 'p****d off', according to WYZX News.
'I want to know if the fact that this individual was a Detroit Lions player, did that play a factor in the decision making?' Commander Michael McGinnis is quoted as asking.
Police have reportedly launched an investigation into why Jameson Williams avoided arrest
'This investigation continues to evolve, and new information has come to light that we are actively addressing,' Detroit Police said in a statement, per TMZ.
'Let it be clear: no one in the City of Detroit is above the law. Anyone who commits a crime will be held accountable, regardless of their position or status.'
Williams' brother is said to have been driving the vehicle when it was pulled over. A firearm was found on the back seat and under Williams' seat.
One of the guns was registered to Williams but the NFL star did not have a concealed pistol license. Bodycam footage shows Williams pleading with officers after they warn him that he will be taken into custody.
'I play for the Lions bro, I'm Jameson Williams,' he is heard telling them. 'Bro, I play for the Detroit Lions.'
Williams eventually admitted the firearm was his, after his brother had tried to claim it belonged to him.
'I got the gun for protection... do you guys know where I live at? Detroit!' said Williams, who was handcuffed and put in the back of a cop car.
'I play for the Lions bro, I'm Jameson Williams,' the NFL star was heard telling the officers
The receiver was a passenger in a car alongside his brother when it was pulled over by cops
A sergeant, who arrived at the scene, made several phone calls to higher-ranked officials to determine if the NFL star needed to be detained.
He eventually handed back Williams' gun and allowed him to go. He even appeared to tell the arresting officers 'I'm so mad at you two'.
When the sergeant was told Williams could be released, he told a lieutenant down the phone: 'You're a f***ing hero. Thank you so much'.
The sergeant's phone background was the Lions logo.
McGinnis added: 'I feel that there was probable cause to arrest, and he was under arrest by the patrol officer.
'Because of that, he should have been conveyed to the Detroit Detention Center and processed. (Chief James White) was very unhappy about the totality of the circumstances here. Even to go so far as to say he was p****d off.'
A firearm was found on the back seat and under Williams' seat after it was pulled over by cops
Bodycam footage revealed that the sergeant's phone background was the Lions logo
The Lions said in statement: 'Jameson made us aware immediately that he was a passenger in a routine traffic stop on October 8th... we discussed the incident with him and have kept the league informed of what we know.
'We understand he was released without incident or citation. It is now our understanding that the Detroit Police Department is revisiting the matter. Jameson has hired an attorney, and we will not be commenting further out of respect for the legal process.'
Williams’ attorney added: 'On October 8, my clients were pulled over for an alleged traffic violation. During the course of the stop, my clients were both cooperative and respectful with the police officers.
'With the two pistols that were found in the vehicle, they were both properly registered and the driver in the vehicle had the proper credentials to carry them. We have cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to do so.”
