Pride of Detroit
Per WXYZ in Detroit, police are investigating why Lions WR Jameson Williams avoided arrest on possession of a firearm without a concealed pistol license.
The off-field news on Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams continues to go south.
According to WXYZ in Detroit, local Detroit police have begun an internal investigation into why Williams was not arrested during a traffic stop three weeks ago when he was found to have a firearm without a concealed pistol license.
Body camera coverage confirms that Williams was in the passenger seat while his brother was driving around midnight on October 8. They were pulled over for speeding, when Williams’ brother disclosed that there were two guns in the car: one in the backseat and one under Williams’ (the passenger) seat. Per the news story, the gun under Williams’ seat was registered to him, but the Lions wideout does not have a concealed pistol license. The other gun was registered to his brother (who had a license).
Here’s the Michigan law regarding concealed weapons:
(2) A person shall not carry a pistol concealed on or about his or her person, or, whether concealed or otherwise, in a vehicle operated or occupied by the person, except in his or her dwelling house, place of business, or on other land possessed by the person, without a license to carry the pistol as provided by law and if licensed, shall not carry the pistol in a place or manner inconsistent with any restrictions upon such license.
(3) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or by a fine of not more than $2,500.00.
UPDATE: A statement from Williams’ attorney denies any wrongdoing, suggesting that the driver’s license to carry covers both firearms.
Williams was reportedly placed in handcuffs and put into the back of a police car. However, a sergeant later arrived on the scene, made several phone calls, and eventually Williams was released with no police report or warrant request given.
It’s unclear what the next step is and whether Williams will be in any sort of trouble, as he was not arrested at the scene.
The original story on WXYZ in Detroit has more details. This story is developing.
Williams is currently serving a two-game suspension for violating the league’s Performance Enhancing Substances policy.
UPDATE: The Lions have released the following statement:
