Former NBA star Shawn Kemp’s attorneys claimed that he acted in self-defense during a shooting incident in a Washington parking lot where he was attempting to recover a stolen phone and other items.
Kemp, 53 years old, was arrested by Tacoma police on Wednesday for allegedly being involved in a drive-by shooting, later released from jail on Thursday without charges being filed. As it turns out, it may have never been one to start with.
Seattle criminal defense attorney Tim Leary, who represents Kemp, said they are grateful the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office decided to conduct a more thorough investigation rather than “rush[ing] to judgment.”
Reports indicate the vehicle of Kemp was broken into, and multiple items, including an iPhone, were stolen. Kemp tracked the phone’s location to a vehicle parked at the Tacoma Mall; when he confronted the occupants, they opened fire. Kemp retaliated, and Boatright stated that there was no drive-by shooting and that Kemp’s actions were prudent and legal. The Tacoma police found a weapon at the scene of the crime.
Kemp, a six-time NBA all-star who played for the Seattle SuperSonics from 1989 to 1997, now owns two cannabis dispensaries in Seattle. During the 1989-1990 NBA season, he became well-known for his impressive, high-flying dunks.
