Wednesday, March 8, former NBA player Shawn Kemp, who last played for Orlando Magic, was taken into custody in Washington on a serious charge of “drive-by shooting,” according to records from Pierce County.
The Tacoma Police Department also stated on Facebook that Kemp, 53, was arrested at the Pierce County jail at around 6 PM after officers responded to reports of gunfire in the Tacoma Mall parking lot four hours earlier. The police department also reported that during the incident, one of the drivers fired several rounds at the occupants of another vehicle, causing the victim’s vehicle to flee the area.
The Facebook post also mentioned that the suspected shooter was found by officers and “detained him without incident.” Additionally, a firearm was recovered from the crime scene.
In a separate Twitter announcement, Tacoma Police clarified that the incident occurred after a disagreement between the occupants of two cars, which resulted in “shots being fired” in a parking lot in the 4500 block of S. Steele St. The tweet also stated that one of the vehicles fled the scene and no injuries were reported. However, a weapon was seized, and a 53-year-old man was arrested and charged with Drive-By Shooting. “The investigation is ongoing,” added the post.
However, it is to be noted that neither of the posts mentioned the former NBA star by name.
Shawn Kemp has had a prolific NBA career, having been recognized as an NBA All-Star six times. He was picked in the first round of the 1989 NBA draft and played for several teams, including Seattle Supersonics, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Portland Trailblazers, during his 14-year career. In 1996, he assisted the Supersonics in reaching the NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Chicago Bulls.
If found guilty of the shooting, the ex-NBA player could face up to 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of $20,000.