TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Former NBA star Shawn Kemp acted in self-defense when he exchanged gunfire in a Washington parking zone whereas making an attempt to retrieve a stolen cellular phone and different gadgets, his attorneys stated Thursday.
Kemp, 53, was arrested by Tacoma police Wednesday for investigation of a drive-by capturing however was launched from jail Thursday afternoon with out prices having been filed. The Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office stated it will not file prices pending additional investigation.
“We’re grateful they didn’t rush to judgment,” stated Seattle prison protection lawyer Tim Leary, who’s representing Kemp.
In a written assertion, one other Kemp legal professional, W. Scott Boatman, stated Kemp’s car was damaged into Tuesday evening and several other gadgets have been taken — together with an iPhone. Kemp tracked the telephone’s location to an occupied automobile on the Tacoma Mall, and when Kemp confronted the people inside, they shot at him, and he returned fireplace, Boatright stated.
“There was not a drive by shooting as previously reported and Mr. Kemp’s actions were reasonable and legally justified,” Boatman stated. “Mr. Kemp met with law enforcement at the scene in an attempt to assist in the matter.”
Tacoma police stated they recovered a gun on the scene.
Kemp, who has two licensed hashish shops in Seattle, was a six-time NBA all-star and performed for the Seattle SuperSonics from 1989 to 1997. He additionally performed for Cleveland, Portland and Orlando.
Kemp debuted within the NBA in the course of the 1989-90 season as a 20-year-old who had by no means performed faculty basketball. He turned recognized for his high-flying, athletic dunks.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”