Former NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp pleaded not responsible Thursday in reference to a taking pictures in a Washington State car parking zone in March.
Kemp, 53, is accused of firing three pictures at an occupied car outdoors Tacoma Mall on March 8. None of Kemp’s pictures struck their meant goal, and he was charged with first-degree assault.
The former Seattle SuperSonic argued that he fired in self-defense after somebody within the car shot at him first. Police declare that surveillance video reveals in any other case.
Shortly earlier than the taking pictures, Kemp’s automotive was burglarized in Seattle and his cellphone was stolen, in keeping with his protection attorneys. Kemp tracked his telephone to a Toyota 4Runner that was parked outdoors Tacoma Mall.
According to police, surveillance video reveals Kemp arriving within the car parking zone and stopping a couple of spots away from the Toyota. He then exits his automotive, grabs a small bag, walks towards the alleged thief and opens hearth, investigators mentioned.
The Toyota driver ducked a minimum of one of many pictures and sped away, police mentioned. The driver has not been publicly recognized.
Kemp claimed that he first approached the Toyota with no gun, however somebody contained in the car shot at him. He then mentioned he retreated to his personal automotive, grabbed his gun and shot again.
“Kemp was adamant in his interview that he had retreated to his vehicle after he was shot at, and then shot back at the 4Runner,” a Tacoma cop mentioned in charging paperwork. “However, the video clearly showed Kemp getting the revolver out of the backpack as soon as he gets out of his Porsche.”
Officers arrested Kemp on the scene on March 8, however he was launched later that day because the investigation continued. However, on April 14, prosecutors formally charged Kemp with first-degree assault.
Investigators additionally mentioned Kemp despatched a textual content message that learn, “I’m about to shoot this [expletive]” minutes earlier than the incident.
With News Wire Services
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com