The Detroit Police Department confirmed Wednesday that Detroit Lions star Jameson Williams is the center of a police investigation related to the receiver's detention and release following a recent traffic stop.
The internal investigation is trying to answer why Williams was released from custody after multiple Detroit police officers indicated they would take him to jail during an October 8 stop, according to 7 News Detroit.
A spokesperson for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said Wednesday that the office is reviewing the warrant request it received from the Detroit Police Department this week for Williams. According to 7 News Detroit, a warrant request was issued for Williams' arrest on a concealed weapon charge.
“No charging decisions have been made at this time,” a spokesperson for the Wayne County Prosecutors Office said Wednesday.
Two Detroit police officers initially stopped a car driven by Williams' brother just after midnight on October 8, according to 7 News Detroit, which shared bodycam footage of the stop. After the stop, Williams' brother informed the officer that there were two guns in the car, according to the outlet. The first was in the back seat, and the second was under Williams' seat. According to 7 News Detroit, the gun in the back seat was registered in the name of Williams' brother, who had a concealed pistol license (CPL), while the gun under Williams' seat was registered in his name, but he did not have a CPL. .
Bodycam footage showed an officer informing Williams he was under arrest for carrying a concealed weapon. The officer then handcuffed Williams and placed him in the back of a police car.
According to the footage, Williams told the officer his full name and that he played for the Lions several times during the conversation. The officer who conducted the traffic stop was unfamiliar with Williams, but, according to 7 News Detroit, a sergeant who arrived at the scene after Williams' arrest was a fan and recognized the Lions player.
After making several phone calls, the sergeant indicated that Williams would be taken to jail, with one call suggesting that the person on the receiving end be “advised” of Williams' imminent arrival, according to 7 News Detroit.
“You might want to make special accommodations,” the sergeant said, according to the report.
However, a few moments later, speaking on the phone to a lieutenant, the sergeant said, “Okay. Beautiful. Am I good at letting him go? You are a (expletive) hero. Thank you very much,” according to the report.
Williams was eventually freed from the handcuffs and returned his gun, according to the report, which also stated that no police report was written for the incident and no warrant request was submitted.
According to 7 News Detroit, Detroit Police Commander Michael McGinnis said he believed the officers who conducted the traffic stop did nothing wrong by telling Williams he would be taken into custody.
“I think there was probable cause for an arrest and he was arrested by a patrol officer. Because of this, he should have been taken to the Detroit Detention Center and processed,” McGinnis told the outlet.
Williams' attorney Todd Flood said in a statement to 7 News Detroit that the two guns found in the car were properly registered and the driver “had the proper credentials to carry them.”
“We have cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to do so,” the statement said, according to the report. Flood did not respond to multiple requests. athletic For comment.
The Detroit Police Department said in a statement athletic Said on Wednesday that “the investigation continues” and “new information has emerged.”
“We take every investigation seriously, especially when new allegations and facts emerge, and we are committed to acting swiftly and transparently. “Once new facts are confirmed, we make necessary changes to our decision-making process,” the statement said. “Let's make it clear: No one is above the law in the city of Detroit. Anyone who commits a crime will be held accountable, regardless of their position or status.”
The Lions released a statement Tuesday in which they said Williams immediately notified the team of the traffic stop.
“We have discussed the incident with them and have informed the league of what we know. We understand he was released without incident or citation. It is now our understanding that the Detroit Police Department is re-examining this matter,” the statement said. “Jameson has hired an attorney, and we will not comment further out of respect for the legal process.”
The NFL said in a statement Wednesday that the Lions “immediately notified the league upon becoming aware of the matter” and that the league would have no further comment at this time. The League generally monitors developments in active cases but does not take action until they are resolved in the legal system.
Lions coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation on Wednesday, saying that Williams “has been truthful with us” and that the details Williams has shared with the team “all lined up.”
“He will learn from this, grow from this. We've talked about it,'' Campbell said. “And I still think this player has developed a lot.”
Campbell also said: “I judge people based on what's in their heart and I know what this kid is made of and it's worth it to be with him. He will learn from it, he will grow. He’ll be the better for it all.”
The incident is not related to Williams' current two-week suspension he is serving for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy. The encounter with Detroit police occurred two weeks before the league issued the punishment.
Alex Andrejev contributed to this report.
(Photo: Nick Antaya/Getty Images)